Introduction
These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites are the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy chicken and sticky-sweet heat. Perfectly oven-baked and tossed in a luscious honey-hot sauce, they deliver the kind of bold, finger-licking flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight dinner or your next party platter, this recipe never disappoints.
Why I Love This Recipe
You get all the satisfying crunch of fried chicken—without actually frying—and the sauce is a dream: hot sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy, and vinegar cooked down to sticky, spicy gold. They’re like wings, but easier to eat and way less messy. If you love flavorful finger food, these are right up there with these easy turkey wings or a late-night batch of sheet pan quesadillas.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
Swaps and Notes
- Hot Sauce: Use your favorite! Frank’s, Crystal, or even a smoky chipotle version works.
- Chicken: Swap in boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko gives the best crunch.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use GF flour, GF breadcrumbs, and tamari instead of soy sauce.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top if you have one—for ultimate crispiness. - Dredge the Chicken
In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip chicken pieces first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs. Lay each piece on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake
Bake chicken for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Flip halfway for even browning. - Make the Sauce
While the chicken bakes, add hot sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and glossy. - Toss and Serve
Remove chicken from the oven and immediately toss in the sauce until fully coated. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use a wire rack when baking to allow air to circulate and keep the bottom crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—spread chicken in a single layer for even baking.
- If you’re making ahead, bake the chicken and store the sauce separately until ready to toss and serve.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These chicken bites are a hit with just about anything. Try serving them with:
- Beer Cheese Dip and veggie sticks for a pub-style spread
- Walking Taco Bar for a customizable party lineup
- Simple white rice or buttered noodles to soak up the extra sauce
- A crisp side salad or pickled veggie slaw to cool down the heat
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep that crunch.
- Freezer: Freeze baked (unsauced) chicken bites for up to 2 months. Just reheat and toss in fresh sauce.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Easy Turkey Wings – for another comfort food classic
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – spicy, hearty, and loaded with Southern flavor
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – fast, cheesy, and perfect for groups
- Beer Cheese Dip – match it with your bites for ultimate game day energy
Final Thoughts
Sweet, spicy, crispy, and saucy—these Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites are everything you want in an easy, flavor-packed dish. Whether you’re feeding the family or the whole game day crew, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
👇 Let us know how yours turned out! Tag us, comment below, and follow for more bold bites from the Chef Maniackitchen.
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