Easy and Delicious Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
Introduction
Imagine a tray coming out of the oven: the warm, sweet-smoky aroma of honey and barbecue sauce mingling with the toasted crunch of panko — each bite yielding a tender, juicy nugget of chicken that glazes the roof of your mouth with sticky, savory-sweet goodness. These Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are little flavor bombs: crisp exterior, succulent interior, and an addictive balance of sweet and tangy that makes them vanish at parties.
They’re the kind of recipe that sparks smiles — perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something fast and satisfying, for casual game-day grazing, or to impress friends at potlucks without fuss. If you enjoy flavor-forward comfort food, you might also love a creamy complement like hot honey chicken mac and cheese — a lovely pairing idea for weekend indulgences.
Dish Snapshot
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 4 (about 6–8 bites per person)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner cooks and busy hosts
Nutrition Highlights
Nutritional estimates per serving (one-fourth of recipe). These values are calculated using standard ingredient nutrition data from USDA FoodData Central and represent approximate values; actual results vary with specific brands and portion sizes.
- Calories: ~510 kcal
- Protein: ~55 g
- Carbohydrates: ~54 g
- Sugars: ~25–30 g (from honey and BBQ sauce)
- Fat: ~8–9 g
- Saturated fat: ~1.5–2 g
- Sodium: variable — typically moderate to high depending on BBQ sauce (estimate 600–900 mg)
Notes on the data
- Protein is high because of the lean chicken breast; calories reflect honey and panko contributions. These are estimates intended to help plan meals — for precise tracking, use your product labels or a nutrition calculator.
- General nutrition guidance about daily values and safe limits is available from reputable health organizations such as the Mayo Clinic and CDC.
Perfect For…
- Busy weeknights when you want a fast, family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Game day or casual get-togethers — they’re easy to share and hold.
- Lunchboxes, as finger-food appetizers, or served alongside salads for lighter meals.
- People chasing comforting, nostalgic flavors — honey and BBQ sauce evoke familiar, homey notes while the panko adds an irresistible crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100 g)
- 1/3 cup honey (about 113 g)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (about 120–125 g)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Cooking spray or 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (optional, for extra crispness)
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs (GF panko) or crushed cornflakes.
- Lower sugar: Use a low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce and reduce honey to 2 tablespoons.
- Dairy-free/vegan alternative: Substitute firm tofu or seitan and use vegan panko and vegan BBQ sauce; swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
- Add spices: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra depth.
- For extra crispness: toss coated bites with 1 tablespoon olive oil or spray lightly with oil before baking.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the honey and barbecue sauce together until smooth and evenly combined.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the honey-BBQ mixture and toss just until every piece is coated — avoid overmixing to prevent the chicken from breaking up.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl or plate. Roll each coated chicken piece in the panko until fully covered, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.
- Arrange the chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between pieces. Lightly spray with cooking oil or drizzle very gently with oil if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately with fresh veggies or your favorite dipping sauce.
Practical tips
- Use a kitchen thermometer to confirm 165°F (74°C) for best safety and juiciness.
- If your BBQ sauce is very thin, reduce the amount slightly or mix it with a tablespoon of panko to help the coating stick.
- For ultra-crisp bites, broil for the last 1–2 minutes while watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Love a glaze finish? Brush an extra spoonful of warmed honey-BBQ mix on the bites right after baking.
Best Pairings
- Dips: Classic ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha-mayo.
- Sides: Crisp coleslaw, roasted sweet potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.
- Comfort-food combo: Serve alongside mac and cheese for a crowd-pleasing plate.
- Light snack options: Pair with raw crunchy veggies (carrot and celery sticks) and a yogurt-based dip for a lighter bite.
- Beverage pairings: Iced tea, a crisp lager, or a citrusy soda cut through the sweetness nicely.
Shelf Life & Storage
- Room temperature: Do not leave chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F / 32°C). Bacteria multiply quickly in the danger zone.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–12 minutes or until heated through to preserve crispness. Microwave will reheat faster but soften the coating.
Chef’s Advice
- Cut chicken to uniform sizes for even cooking — about 1-inch cubes work best.
- Pat chicken dry before marinating in the honey-BBQ mixture so the coating adheres without becoming gummy.
- Panko vs. regular breadcrumbs: panko gives a noticeably lighter, crunchier texture due to its larger flakes.
- Balance sweet and savory: taste your BBQ sauce — if it’s very sweet, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika to the honey mix to brighten flavor.
- Don’t crowd the pan; give each bite space to crisp properly.
Creative Twists
- Spicy Honey BBQ: Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the honey-BBQ mix for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Citrus-Herb Crunch: Swap BBQ for a lemon-garlic glaze (lemon juice, zest, minced garlic), and mix panko with finely chopped fresh parsley and a little parmesan for a bright, herb-forward bite.
- Gluten-free & Maple: Use GF breadcrumbs, replace honey with pure maple syrup, and use a no-added-sugar BBQ sauce for a gluten-free, slightly earthier-sweet version.
- Air-Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes in an air fryer, shaking halfway, for an even crispier result with less oil.
All Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I use dark meat (thighs) instead of breast?
A: Yes. Boneless skinless thighs add more fat and flavor — adjust cooking time slightly and test for 165°F (74°C).
Q: My coating falls off — what went wrong?
A: Likely too much sauce or the chicken wasn’t patted dry. Use a light coating of sauce and press crumbs firmly onto the wet chicken. A thin egg wash or a tablespoon of flour mixed into the sauce can help binding.
Q: How can I make this lower in sugar?
A: Reduce honey to 2 tablespoons and choose a low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce. Serve with a vinegary slaw to balance sweetness.
Q: Can I prepare ahead?
A: Yes — coat chicken and place on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate up to several hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked coated bites on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen adding a few minutes.
Q: Leftovers ideas?
A: Chop and toss into a salad, fold into wraps, or reheat and serve on top of rice or mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
These Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are the kind of simple recipe that becomes a household favorite — fast to make, full of crowd-pleasing flavor, and easily adapted to suit dietary needs or spice levels. Try them for your next weeknight dinner, party platter, or lunch prep and share your photos and notes; I love hearing how readers put their own spin on recipes. For extra inspiration and alternate preparation methods, check out this close take on the dish from Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites – Sally’s Baking and another family-friendly version at Honey BBQ Chicken Bites · Easy Family Recipes.
Print
Easy and Delicious Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (optional)
Description
Tender, juicy chicken nuggets coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce and crispy panko, perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100 g)
- 1/3 cup honey (about 113 g)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (about 120–125 g)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Cooking spray or 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (optional, for extra crispness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the honey and barbecue sauce together until smooth and evenly combined.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the honey-BBQ mixture and toss just until every piece is coated.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl or plate. Roll each coated chicken piece in the panko until fully covered.
- Arrange the chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Lightly spray with cooking oil or drizzle with oil if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately with fresh veggies or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispness, you can broil the bites for the last 1–2 minutes. Ensure the chicken is dry before marinating for better coating adherence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
