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.

Hot Honey Chicken Bites

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Author: Caitlin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: about 20 - 24 chicken bites 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Crispy, juicy chicken bites tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. The perfect game day snack, appetizer, or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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CHICKEN BITES

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tenderloins), cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder*
1 teaspoon smoked paprika*
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups gluten free flour
1/2 cup gluten free panko
avocado oil, for frying

*Or 2 teaspoons of seasoning or rub of your choice. I like to use a barbecue blend!

HOT HONEY DRIZZLE

1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon chipotle oil*
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!

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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.