I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.
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If you love crispy chicken with a little heat and a touch of sweetness, these Hot Honey Chicken Bites are going to be your new favorite. Chicken bites are marinated, baked, and then quickly pan-fried to perfection for a juicy inside and crispy outside, then drizzled with a sticky, spicy hot honey glaze. They’re the ultimate appetizer, game day snack, or fun weeknight dinner.
These chicken bites are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, spicy, and sweet. The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender, while a gluten-free flour and panko coating ensures a crunchy bite. The hot honey drizzle ties everything together with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.
They’re also versatile. You can serve them as a main dish with sides, pile them on a platter, or serve with a toothpick as a party appetizer that disappears in minutes.
Marinate the Chicken : In a bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for 30 – 60 minutes.
Preheat the Oven : Set to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dredge : Mix flour and panko in a bowl. Coat chicken pieces in the mixture.
Bake : Arrange dredged chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 8 – 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Pan-Fry : Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry baked chicken in batches for 3 – 4 minutes per side, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside on a paper towel lined plate.
Make the Hot Honey : In a small saucepan, gently warm honey, chipotle oil, and pepper flakes (optional) until just combined. Toss with chicken in a large mixing bowl just before serving and while the chicken is still warm.
STORAGE TIPS
Refrigerator : Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F to re-crisp.
Make Ahead : Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for easy prep.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I skip the frying step?
Yes. The chicken will still be cooked through and tasty after baking, but flash-frying gives that extra crispy bite.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free buttermilk substitute (plant milk + vinegar). Combine 1 cup of plant based milk with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow it to curdle.
How spicy is this recipe?
The chicken itself is mild; most of the heat comes from the hot honey drizzle. Adjust spice by using more or less pepper flakes (or omit completely and simply toss the chicken with honey).
What can I serve with hot honey chicken bites?
They’re delicious with fries, cornbread, coleslaw, or over a salad for a lighter meal.
These Hot Honey Chicken Bites are everything you want in comfort food. Crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy. They’ll quickly become a family favorite and are guaranteed to wow guests when entertaining.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see how you serve it! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below!
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)*
*You can also simply use Mike’s Hot Honey, homemade buffalo sauce, or another hot sauce you already have at home!
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken : In a bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for 30 – 60 minutes.
Preheat the Oven : Set to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dredge : Mix flour and panko in a bowl. Coat chicken pieces in the mixture.
Bake : Arrange dredged chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 8 – 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Pan-Fry : Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry baked chicken in batches for 3 – 4 minutes per side, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside on a paper towel lined plate.
Make the Hot Honey : In a small saucepan, gently warm honey, chipotle oil, and pepper flakes (optional) until just combined. Toss with chicken in a large mixing bowl just before serving and while the chicken is still warm.
For extra crispiness, fry immediately after baking.
Adjust heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Marinate longer (up to 24 hours) for extra tender chicken.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Category:Appetizer / Main Dish
Method:Bake + Pan Fry
Cuisine:American
Caitlin Lindsey
post author
Caitlin is the creative visionary behind Fit to Entertain, where food, wellness, and intentional living come together. She's passionate about helping others bring joy to the table and live beautifully - one meal at a time.
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