Craving a dish that’s crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor? These Hot Honey Chicken Bites are the ultimate dinner recipe that delivers sweet heat with every bite!
Oven-baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized chicken nuggets are coated in a crunchy cornflake crust and finished with a drizzle of homemade hot honey sauce. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight meal, game day snack, or party appetizer, they’ll be an instant favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Chicken Bites
- Crispy Without Frying – The cornflake crust gives you all the crunch without the extra oil.
- Perfect Sweet & Spicy Balance – The hot honey sauce adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness.
- Fun & Shareable – Ideal for dinner, game night, or a weekend snack.
- Easy & Quick to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to recipe!
Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Bites
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes (panko breadcrumbs can be used instead)
- ¼ cup cornstarch (helps the coating stick!)
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Avocado oil spray (for extra crispiness!)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust based on spice preference!)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for bold spice – optional!)
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bites
1: Set Up Your Breading Station
- Prepare three bowls for dredging:
1: Cornstarch
2: Whisked eggs
3: Crushed cornflakes mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper
2: Bread the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel.
- Coat each piece in cornstarch, dip into the whisked eggs, then press into the cornflake mixture until fully coated.
3: Bake Until Crispy
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and arrange the coated chicken on top. This helps air circulate for even crisping.
- Lightly spray the chicken with avocado oil for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For an extra crispy crust, broil on low for 1-2 minutes at the end.
4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir until smooth and heated through. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
5: Drizzle & Serve
- Once the chicken is done, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the bites OR toss them in the sauce for full coverage.
- Serve warm with extra hot honey on the side for dipping!
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Bites
🍯 Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch, honey mustard, or extra hot honey for dipping.
🥗 With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the spice.
🍚 With Rice or Potatoes: Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies for a heartier meal.
🌮 In a Wrap or Sandwich: Add to a wrap, slider, or sandwich for an easy, spicy twist!
🔥 Want more heat? Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha before serving!
Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Bites
- Crush Cornflakes Finely – This helps the coating stick better and creates a super crispy texture.
- Use a Wire Rack for Baking – Keeps air circulating for an even, golden-brown crust.
- Make Ahead – Bread the chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Double the Sauce – If you love extra drizzle, make a larger batch of hot honey sauce!
- Want to Air Fry? Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing Leftovers:
- Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep the hot honey sauce separate to prevent soggy coating.
Reheating Tips:
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 5 minutes for crispy results.
- Oven: 375°F for 10 minutes until warm and crunchy.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as the coating may soften.
FAQs About Hot Honey Chicken Bites
1. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
2. What can I use instead of cornflakes?
Try panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even pretzels for a different crunch!
3. Can I make this recipe without hot honey?
Of course! You can drizzle regular honey or mix honey with a bit of cayenne or chili flakes for heat.
4. Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. How can I make this spicier?
Add extra cayenne, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the hot honey sauce!
More Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Best Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Jambalaya Recipe
Final Thoughts
These Hot Honey Chicken Bites are the ultimate sweet, spicy, and crispy treat! Whether you’re making a quick dinner recipe, serving up a game day snack, or looking for a fun twist on classic chicken bites, this easy baked version is a total winner.
🔥 Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! And if you snap a pic, tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your crispy creations! 🍗🍯🔥
Hot Honey Chicken Bites – Crispy, Sweet, & Spicy Perfection!
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Baking Sheet with Wire Rack
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Pastry Brush or Spoon
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or breasts cut into strips
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Avocado oil spray
For the Hot Honey:
- ½ cup honey
- 2-3 tbsp hot sauce adjust to taste
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with a wire rack.
- Set up three bowls: Bowl 1: ½ cup cornstarch. Bowl 2: 2 whisked eggs. Bowl 3: 2 cups crushed cornflakes mixed with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
- Pat 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders dry. Coat each piece in flour, dip in the egg, and press into the seasoned cornflake mixture. Place on the prepared rack.
- Spray the breaded chicken lightly with avocado oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, broil on low until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup honey, 2-3 tbsp hot sauce, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Stir until smooth.
- Drizzle or toss the baked chicken in the hot honey sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey and sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe Calories: 550 Sugar: 40g Sodium: 1000mg Fat: 30g Saturated Fat: 6g Unsaturated Fat: 20g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 50g Fiber: 3g Protein: 30g Cholesterol: 80mg
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