Hot Honey Chicken Bites: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy
These hot honey chicken bites are baked to crispy perfection and drizzled with homemade hot honey for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, these bite-sized pieces are great for dinner, game day, or when you’re craving something fun and a little different.
I love making these because the cornflake coating gives you all the crunch you want—without the frying.
The hot honey drizzle adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness, making these chicken bites unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love Them
- Crispy and Baked: The cornflake crust gives the chicken that fried crunch without the oil.
- Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey drizzle takes these bites to the next level.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great as a party snack, game day treat, or even a fun weeknight dinner.
How It Comes Together
Chicken pieces are coated in a cornflake mixture seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, then baked until golden and crispy. They’re finished with a hot honey drizzle made with honey, spices and chili flakes.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowls: For dredging the chicken.
- Baking Sheet with Wire Rack: Keeps the chicken elevated for even cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Saucepan: To make the hot honey sauce.
- Pastry Brush or Spoon: For applying the hot honey.
Ingredients (with Substitutions)
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts: Use tenders or slice breasts into strips.
- Cornflakes: Crushed for the crispy coating; panko breadcrumbs can work as a substitute.
- All-Purpose Flour: For dredging; gluten-free flour works as an alternative.
- Eggs: Helps bind the coating.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory flavor.
- Onion Powder: Enhances depth.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky, slightly spicy flavor; regular paprika can be substituted.
- Salt: Balances the seasoning.
- Black Pepper: For a subtle kick.
- Avocado Oil Spray: Helps create a golden, crispy crust when baking.
For the Hot Honey:
- Honey: The sweet base for the sauce.
- Hot Sauce: Adds heat; adjust to taste.
- Cayenne Pepper: For an extra kick.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth to the sauce.
- Onion Powder: Complements the flavors in the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for bold spice.
Instructions
Prepare the Dredging Station:
Set up three bowls:
Bowl 1: Flour.
Bowl 2: Whisked eggs.
Bowl 3: Crushed cornflakes mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Bread the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Coat each piece in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally press into the seasoned cornflake mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and place the breaded chicken on top. Spray the chicken lightly with avocado oil to help it crisp up in the oven.
Bake the Chicken: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth. Taste and adjust spice level to your liking.
Drizzle or Toss: Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken or toss the pieces in the sauce for full coverage.
Serve: Serve warm with extra hot honey on the side for dipping.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Bites
Here are a few sides from the blog that pair perfectly with these chicken bites:
- Crispy Air Fryer Plantain Chips – Light and crunchy, great for snacking alongside the chicken.
- Tostones with Garlic Sauce – A savory side that balances the sweet and spicy bites.
- Cold Crack Corn Dip – Creamy and chilled, it’s a great complement to the crispy chicken.
If You Like This, You’ll Love These
- Bang Bang Chicken Bites – Crispy bites tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Pollo Empanizado – Golden, crispy baked chicken cutlets.
- Cilantro Garlic Sauce – A herby dip that works beautifully with chicken or plantains.
Let’s Hear From You!
If you make these Hot Honey Chicken Bites, I’d love to know how they turned out.
Leave a comment or recipe rating, and if you snap a photo, tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your creations!
Hot Honey Chicken Bites: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy
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 all-purpose flour
- 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 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with a wire rack.
- Set up three bowls: Bowl 1: ½ cup flour. 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, 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.
