Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Bites are a perfect mix of crispy, spicy, and sweet all in one bite-sized treat. These little nuggets have a crunchy coating that’s baked to golden perfection and then drizzled with a sticky, hot honey glaze that gives just the right kick with a touch of sweetness. They’re easy to make and so satisfying when you want something a little different than the usual chicken.
I love making these when I want a snack or appetizer that feels special but isn’t too complicated. Baking instead of frying means less mess and a lighter texture, but you still get that great crunch. Plus, the hot honey glaze is my favorite part—it’s spicy enough to wake up your taste buds but balanced by the honey’s smooth sweetness. I often double the honey glaze because I can’t get enough of that sticky goodness!
My favorite way to serve these chicken bites is with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, along with some crunchy celery sticks. They’re always a hit at gatherings or when I’m craving something fun to snack on while watching a movie. If you like a little spice with a sweet twist, this recipe is definitely one you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders because they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and more tenderness.
Buttermilk: It helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Panko & Cornflakes: The combo gives a super crunchy coating. If you don’t have cornflakes, just use extra panko or crushed crackers. They all add a nice crisp texture when baked.
Hot Honey Glaze: The mix of honey and hot sauce creates a great sweet-and-spicy balance. Feel free to adjust the hot sauce amount to control the heat. Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice adds a little tang to brighten the glaze.
How to Get the Crunchiest Baked Chicken Bites?
Baking the chicken with a crisp coating can be tricky since it’s easy to turn out soggy. Here’s how to nail that crunchy texture:
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk to keep it juicy inside.
- Use a mix of panko and crushed cornflakes for a crunchy shell.
- Press the coating firmly onto each piece to make sure it sticks well.
- Spray or brush the coated chicken lightly with oil before baking to encourage browning and crispiness.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F) so the coating crisps quickly without drying the meat.
- Flip halfway through cooking for even golden color and crunch on all sides.
Following these steps helps you get perfectly crunchy bites that stay tender inside. Then the warm hot honey glaze adds sticky, flavorful goodness without soaking the crispiest spots.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – for even cooking and browning of your chicken bites.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – one for marinating the chicken and another for the crunchy coating.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your spices and sauces just right.
- Small saucepan – to gently warm and mix the hot honey glaze.
- Tongs or a fork – for dipping and coating chicken pieces without a mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cauliflower florets to make a tasty vegetarian version with the same crunchy coating and glaze.
- Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the breading mix for a smoky twist on the heat.
- Mix in shredded parmesan with the panko for a cheesy, crispy coating.
- Stir chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the hot honey glaze for extra aroma and flavor.
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cornflakes, crushed (for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste based on spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate the chicken, and 15-20 minutes to bake. Plan on about 45-60 minutes total for a crunchy, flavorful dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the buttermilk with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken bites and toss them around so they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in and tenderize the meat.
2. Prepare the Crunchy Coating:
In another shallow dish, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, and cayenne pepper or chili powder if you want a little extra heat.
3. Preheat and Prepare for Baking:
Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the chicken doesn’t stick.
4. Coat the Chicken Bites:
Take each chicken piece out of the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Arrange the coated bites on your baking sheet.
5. Bake Until Crispy:
Spray or brush a little oil over the chicken to help it brown and get crispy. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden and cooked through. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
While the chicken bakes, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in hot sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and red pepper flakes if you like. Keep it warm and mix well, but don’t boil.
7. Glaze and Garnish:
Once baked, transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over them. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley and sesame seeds on top for freshness and extra flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crunchy hot honey chicken bites immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese, or enjoy them as they are!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed before marinating and coating. Thaw it safely in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method by sealing the chicken in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs and cornflakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Make sure your hot sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free for the best results.
Can I Make the Hot Honey Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm it gently before drizzling over the chicken bites to bring back its stickiness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to maintain crunchiness rather than using the microwave.
