Honey Fried Chicken Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these chicken bites come together with simple pantry ingredients but still taste like a restaurant-quality dish. The crunch of the fried coating mixed with the sticky-sweet honey glaze is absolutely addictive. Whether I’m making them for a game day appetizer or a family dinner, they always disappear quickly. They’re also super easy to customize depending on my mood—spicy, extra sweet, or with a hint of garlic.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and pepper

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Paprika

• All-purpose flour

• Cornstarch

• Eggs

• Milk or buttermilk

• Oil for frying

• Honey

• Soy sauce (optional for depth)

• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

directions

1. I start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This step ensures every bite is flavorful from the inside out.

2. Then I prepare a dredging station with a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture in one bowl, and beaten eggs mixed with milk in another.

3. I coat each chicken piece in the flour mix, dip it into the egg wash, and then back into the flour for a double coating that gives the crispiest texture.

4. Next, I heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch.

5. While the chicken rests on a wire rack or paper towels, I make the glaze by warming honey in a saucepan with a splash of soy sauce and optional red pepper flakes for heat.

6. Finally, I toss the crispy chicken bites in the warm honey glaze until evenly coated.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the honey glaze for a spicy hot honey version by adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a more Asian-inspired flavor, I stir in a bit of garlic and ginger into the honey glaze. I also like using chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but chicken breast works great for a leaner option. For a gluten-free version, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer using the oven or air fryer at 350°F to bring back the crispiness. The microwave works too, but the coating won’t stay as crunchy. I avoid reheating with the glaze already on if I know I’ll have leftovers—it’s better to keep the glaze separate and toss right before serving again.

FAQs

How do I make the coating extra crispy?

I always double-dip the chicken in flour, then egg, then flour again. Adding cornstarch to the flour mix helps too.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, but they won’t be quite as crispy. I spray the coated chicken bites with oil and bake them at 425°F until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway.

Can I use pre-cooked or frozen chicken nuggets?

I prefer fresh chicken for best results, but in a pinch, I can toss cooked nuggets in the honey glaze as a shortcut.

Is there a way to make these spicier?

I like adding red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a bit of cayenne pepper either in the glaze or the flour coating to boost the heat.

Can I make the honey glaze in advance?

Yes, I can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. I just reheat gently before tossing with the chicken.

Conclusion

Honey fried chicken bites are one of my favorite comfort foods to make at home. They’re crispy, flavorful, and coated in a sweet glaze that keeps me coming back for more. Whether I’m serving them for a party or a quick family meal, they always hit the spot. With endless ways to customize and easy prep, this is a recipe I love having on repeat.

Honey Fried Chicken Bites

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Crispy honey fried chicken bites seasoned to perfection, double-dredged for maximum crunch, and tossed in a sweet and spicy honey glaze. A comforting and customizable dish perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Mayaa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Oil for frying
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Prepare a dredging station with flour and cornstarch in one bowl, and beaten eggs mixed with milk in another.
3. Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, then back into the flour for a double coating.
4. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Warm honey in a saucepan with soy sauce and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the glaze.
7. Toss the crispy chicken bites in the warm honey glaze until evenly coated.
8. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Double coating ensures a crispy crust.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Store leftovers unglazed and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
• Make the glaze ahead and store it separately.
• For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 125mg