Every now and then, a recipe comes along that barely makes it out of the pan before everyone's reaching for "just one more". These Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are exactly that kind of recipe! They're crispy, sweet, garlicky, and have just enough heat to keep things interesting without being too much.
These hot honey chicken bites are perfect for game day, an easy weeknight dinner, or whenever you're craving something simple but a little special. The crunch on this chicken is elite, and the sauce is finger-licking good!
For more flavor-packed chicken recipes, try our Memphis Honey Gold Wings or Hot Honey Chicken Thighs next.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Sweet, spicy, garlicky, all in one bite!
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Great for appetizers, meals, or party platters.
- Satisfyingly crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.
Ingredients You'll Need with Substitutions
For the Chicken Bites
- Chicken tenders or breasts, cut into chunks. Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Eggs and milk for the dredge. Substitute buttermilk for extra flavor.
- Hot sauce. Substitute any hot sauce you love, such as Sriracha or Tabasco, or leave it out for a milder heat.
- Flour, panko breadcrumbs, and cornstarch. This combination gives the best crispy texture.
- Seasonings: salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, and chipotle pepper powder. Substitute smoked paprika or chili powder for different heat profiles.
For the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce
- Salted butter. Or substitute unsalted butter with a pinch of salt.
- Fresh minced garlic. Don't skip this ingredient!
- Raw honey. Sub regular honey or maple syrup if that's what you have.
- Hot sauce. Adjust to taste depending on spice preference.
- Garlic powder and red pepper flakes. For extra flavor and kick.
- Red wine vinegar. For a delicious tanginess. Substitute apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
- Salt, to taste. You may not need additional salt.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Step 1. Season chicken chunks well on all sides.
Step 2. Whisk together the eggs, milk, and hot sauce in one bowl, and the breading ingredients in another bowl. Coat the chicken with the egg wash.
Step 1. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Set the chicken aside to rest while you heat the oil.
Step 2. Shallow fry chicken in avocado or olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 1. Toast the butter and garlic in a saucepan, then whisk in the remaining hot honey garlic sauce ingredients and simmer over medium heat until smooth and combined.
Step 2. Toss the crispy chicken bites in the warm sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne or an extra tablespoon of hot sauce to the hot honey sauce.
- Mild Version: Reduce the cayenne and red pepper flakes, and use just 1 tablespoon of hot sauce.
- Lemon Honey Garlic: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to the sauce.
- Smoky Heat: Use smoked paprika and chipotle hot sauce.
Ashley's Tips for Success
- Cut your chicken into even-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before frying to help the breading stick.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for maximum crispiness.
- Keep the oil around 350°F for the best golden crust.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce while it's still hot so it soaks up all that flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To Reheat: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it softens the breading.
FAQs
As written, these chicken bites are mild to medium heat. You can easily make them milder by reducing or skipping the cayenne, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
Yes! Bake at 425°F for about 18 to 22 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
These are best fresh, but you can fry the chicken ahead and reheat in the oven, then toss with sauce before serving.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Creamy coleslaw
- Flaky buttermilk biscuits or southern cornbread
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Mac and cheese
- Roasted green beans or broccoli
- A crisp Caesar or garden salad
More Irresistible Appetizer Recipes You Will Love!
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8
If you tried this Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites recipe, leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below! Don't forget to tag @thepinkowlkitchen on Instagram with your comforting creations.
📖 Recipe
Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or breasts - cut into chunks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
Egg Wash
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
Breading
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chipotle pepper powder
- Avocado or olive oil - for frying
Hot Honey Garlic Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic - minced
- ½ cup raw honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce - adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon red wine vinegar
- Salt - to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken evenly with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Whisk eggs, milk, and hot sauce in a shallow bowl.
- In another bowl, combine flour, panko, cornstarch, paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and chipotle powder.
- Dip chicken into egg mixture, then dredge in flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Allow the breaded chicken to rest while you heat the oil. This helps the breading stick.
- Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 3 to 4 minutes per side).
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter and cook, stirring often, until it turns foamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking, stirring, until fragrant and lightly toasted, another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Whisk in the honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and salt until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Toss chicken in warm sauce until coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To Reheat: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it softens the breading
- Cut your chicken into even-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
-
- Keep the oil around 350°F for the best golden crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for maximum crispiness.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before frying to help the breading stick.
Pam
Everything I love, chicken, crispy, hot honey and garlic! Great recipe! Will be making for a Super Bowl snack. Go Seahawks!
Ashley Boyd
Awesome and thank you! I hope they're a hit for Super Bowl!
Ab
Wow! The chicken is super crispy and I can drink the sauce by the gallon!
Ashley Boyd
Thanks for the kind review! I may have drank some sauce myself...
Marlon Boyd
I can’t wait to try this! Super owl is coming up and these will be perfect for game day
Ashley Boyd
Thanks for the kind review! I hope they're a hit for Super Bowl!