Oven-Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

Crunchy baked chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and savory honey barbecue glaze. Simple to prepare, baked not fried, and ready in about 25 minutes.

Ingredients

• 5 cups corn flakes cereal, crushed
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed corn flakes, salt, pepper, paprika, chili flakes (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well so the seasonings are evenly distributed through the crumbs.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth and combined.
3. Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Working one piece at a time, toss each chicken cube in the flour to coat lightly, shaking off any excess.
4. Dip the floured chicken into the egg-and-buttermilk mixture, then press the piece into the crushed corn flakes so it becomes well coated. Repeat until all pieces are breaded.
5. Arrange the breaded chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between pieces so air can circulate and they crisp evenly.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crisp. Internal temperature should register 165°F (74°C).
7. While the chicken bakes, make the honey barbecue sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the BBQ sauce and honey. Stir and warm until the mixture is smooth and heated through—do not boil. Remove from heat.
8. Transfer the baked chicken bites to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss gently so each bite is fully coated.
9. Serve immediately while hot and sticky. These chicken bites pair well with ranch or blue cheese dip, or extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Notes

• If you prefer, you can pan-fry the breaded chicken pieces in oil over medium heat until golden on each side rather than baking. Frying will produce a crisper crust but adds extra oil and calories.
• For a spicier version, use a smoky or chipotle BBQ sauce and increase the chili flakes. For a milder crowd-pleaser, reduce or omit chili flakes entirely.
• To make the coating gluten-free, substitute a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free corn flakes.

Nutrition (approx.)

Calories: 640 kcal | Carbohydrates: 82 g | Protein: 56 g | Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 228 mg | Sodium: 1119 mg | Potassium: 1100 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 39 g

Nutritional values are estimates calculated with an automated tool and should be used as a guideline only.

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