Crispy, Bite-Sized Chicken Tossed In A Spicy-Sweet Hot Honey Sauce – A Perfect Snack Or Appetizer With A Kick!
These Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Bites are a fun and flavorful twist on classic chicken bites! I decided to make them because I love the combination of crispy chicken and the bold, sweet-spicy heat from the hot honey sauce.
The crispy coating on the chicken bites gives them a satisfying crunch, while the hot honey adds a rich, spicy-sweet glaze that’s simply irresistible. My family loves them because they’re a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, and they’re ideal for game days, parties, or just a fun dinner. These chicken bites are always the first thing to disappear at any gathering!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work fine, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which makes them perfect for this recipe.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken by coating it in the flour mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to fry. However, the crispy texture is best enjoyed fresh after frying.
Q: Can I use a different type of sauce?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the hot honey sauce with regular honey or make your own spicy honey sauce by adding hot sauce or chili flakes to honey for a custom kick.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes, you can bake these chicken bites at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Just be sure to spray them with a little oil to help them crisp up.
Q: How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
A: The hot honey sauce is spicy but not overwhelming, thanks to the balance of honey and chili flakes. If you prefer less heat, you can adjust the amount of chili flakes or use a milder hot sauce.
What You Need to Make Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Bites
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
How to Make Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Bites
1. Prepare the chicken:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the chicken:
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to coat evenly. Set aside on a plate.
3. Fry the chicken:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C), add the chicken pieces in batches, frying for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the hot honey sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and chili flakes. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Toss the chicken in the sauce:
Once all the chicken is fried, place the chicken bites in a large bowl. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
6. Serve:
Serve the Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Bites immediately while they’re hot and crispy, with extra hot sauce or dipping sauce on the side, if desired.
Tips
- For extra crispiness: You can double coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and breadcrumbs mixture twice for a crunchier exterior.
- For a milder version: Use less hot sauce or opt for a mild hot sauce in the hot honey sauce for a gentler kick.
- Make it a meal: Serve these chicken bites with a side of coleslaw, fries, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel L. – “These Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Bites are amazing! The crispy coating is perfect, and the hot honey sauce is the right amount of spicy and sweet. A new favorite in our house!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan S. – “I made these for game day, and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved the crispy chicken and the sweet-spicy honey sauce. I’ll definitely be making them again.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie T. – “These chicken bites are so addicting! The hot honey sauce is the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, and the chicken is crispy and juicy. They’re the perfect snack.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “I wasn’t sure how spicy the hot honey would be, but it’s just right! The chicken bites are crispy, and the sauce is perfect. I’ll be making these again soon!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica W. – “This recipe is incredible! The hot honey sauce makes these chicken bites irresistible. They were gone in no time, and everyone kept asking for the recipe!”
Printable Recipe
Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Bites
These Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Bites are crispy, flavorful, and packed with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness from the hot honey sauce. A must-try for anyone who loves spicy-sweet snacks!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the chicken:
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to coat evenly. Set aside on a plate.
3. Fry the chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C), add the chicken pieces in batches, frying for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the hot honey sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and chili flakes. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Toss the chicken in the sauce:
- Once all the chicken is fried, place the chicken bites in a large bowl. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Bites immediately while they’re hot and crispy, with extra hot sauce or dipping sauce on the side, if desired.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Bites, please share them with your friends and family! They’re the perfect spicy-sweet snack or appetizer, and I’m sure everyone will love them. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your chicken bites turn out!
