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Craving a snack that’s crispy, sweet, and packed with flavor? This Best Honey BBQ Chicken recipe is your answer, delivering bite-sized pieces of tender chicken coated in a crunchy panko crust and glazed with a tangy-sweet honey BBQ sauce. Unlike fried versions, this Honey BBQ Chicken is baked, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing that irresistible crunch. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner, these Honey BBQ bites are easy to whip up with pantry staples and ready in under an hour. Each piece bursts with the perfect balance of smoky barbecue and golden honey, leaving everyone reaching for more.

In this post, we’ll guide you through making this Best Honey BBQ Chicken, share tips for extra crispiness, and suggest ways to serve these crowd-pleasing morsels. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Best Honey BBQ Chicken

Healthier Choice: Baked, not fried, for guilt-free indulgence in this Honey BBQ Chicken.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 45 minutes with simple ingredients.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish for any gathering.
Bold Flavors: Sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce create an addictive combo.
Versatile: Pair with dips or sides to suit any occasion with this Honey BBQ recipe.

Ingredients for Best Honey BBQ Chicken

This Best Honey BBQ Chicken uses everyday ingredients to create a delicious Honey BBQ treat. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings (about 1 pound of chicken).

For the Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup): For a light, crispy coating.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps the breadcrumbs stick and adds moisture.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavor.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild kick.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp, optional): For extra savory depth.
Paprika (½ tsp, optional): For a smoky touch.

Honey BBQ Glaze

Honey (¼ cup): Adds natural sweetness; raw or organic is best.
Barbecue Sauce (½ cup): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for classic Honey BBQ flavor.

For Garnish (Optional)

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (1 tbsp, chopped): For a pop of color.
Lemon Wedges: For a bright, zesty finish.

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small saucepan
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

Preparation Guide

Making this Best Honey BBQ Chicken is a breeze, delivering crispy, flavorful Honey BBQ Chicken bites that everyone will love. Follow these instructions for success.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Pat dry with paper towels to help the coating stick.
In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or paprika until evenly coated.

Coat the Chicken

Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. If desired, mix in a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
Dredge each chicken piece in the panko, pressing gently to coat thoroughly. Place coated pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch for maximum crispiness.

Bake the Chicken

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through with tongs to ensure both sides crisp up.
The chicken is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Make the Honey BBQ Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey and barbecue sauce. Stir for 2-3 minutes until warmed and well blended into a sticky glaze.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Glaze and Serve

Once baked, transfer the hot chicken to a large bowl. Drizzle the honey BBQ glaze over the pieces, tossing gently to coat evenly.
Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

Chef’s Tips for Best Honey BBQ Chicken

Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken into similar sizes for even cooking in this Honey BBQ Chicken recipe.
Maximize Crunch: Pat chicken dry and use panko for a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Fresh Honey: Opt for raw or organic honey for richer flavor in the Honey BBQ glaze.
Don’t Overcrowd: Spread chicken pieces evenly on the baking sheet to ensure proper browning.
Taste the Sauce: Adjust the glaze by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang if your BBQ sauce is very sweet.

Serving Suggestions

Make this Best Honey BBQ Chicken the star of your table with these serving ideas:

As an Appetizer: Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or spicy mustard for a fun Honey BBQ party snack.
With Veggies: Pair with carrot sticks, celery, or a cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the sweet glaze.
As a Main Dish: Serve over rice or with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts for a complete Honey BBQ Chicken meal.
For Kids: Offer with fries or apple slices for a kid-friendly dinner.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer to complement the sweet and tangy flavors.

Storing and Make-Ahead

This Best Honey BBQ Chicken is best fresh but can be stored for later:

Store: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead: Prep and coat the chicken up to a day ahead; refrigerate unbaked. Bake fresh for the best Honey BBQ texture.
Reheating: Reheat on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Freezing: Freeze baked, unglazed chicken in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and glaze after reheating.
Serving Tip: Add fresh glaze after reheating to revive the sticky, flavorful coating.

Variations and Substitutions

Customize this Best Honey BBQ Chicken to suit your tastes:

Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicier Honey BBQ Chicken bites.
Gluten-Free: Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze for a fiery Honey BBQ kick.
Herb Boost: Mix dried oregano or thyme into the panko for an herby crust.
Low-Sugar: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and reduce honey for a lighter glaze.

FAQs About Best Honey BBQ Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and work great in this Honey BBQ Chicken recipe. Ensure they reach 165°F internally.

What type of BBQ sauce is best?
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; a smoky or tangy variety pairs well with honey in Honey BBQ.

Can I make this ahead?
Coat the chicken a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake and glaze fresh for the best BBQ Chicken texture.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Use panko, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and reheat in the oven, not the microwave, for crispy Honey BBQ Chicken.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Yes, but panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture for this Honey BBQ recipe.

What sides go well with this dish?
Coleslaw, roasted veggies, or fries complement the sweet-tangy flavors of BBQ Chicken.

Can I freeze the glazed chicken?
Freeze unglazed chicken to maintain texture. Add glaze after thawing and reheating for fresh Honey BBQ flavor.

How do I make it spicier?
Add cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce to the glaze or panko for a spicy Honey BBQ Chicken twist.

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Conclusion

This Best Honey BBQ Chicken recipe is a game-changer, offering crispy, tender bites coated in a sweet and tangy glaze that’s perfect for any occasion. Baked instead of fried, it’s a healthier way to enjoy the classic Honey BBQ flavors without losing that satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a fun dinner, this Honey BBQ Chicken is sure to impress with its ease and bold taste. Try it today and share your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes in the comments below!

Happy cooking!