Chef Mitchell preparing Honey Butter Chicken Bites
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe during a family gathering where everyone raved about the sweet and savory combo. After many trials to perfect the crispy coating and the honey butter glaze, these bites became a favorite at our dinner table. It's always satisfying to watch friends and family enjoy a dish that originated from my kitchen!"

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in the culinary world, focusing primarily on American cuisine. His passion lies in creating simple yet flavorful dinner recipes that cater to all tastes. With a deep understanding of comfort food, he aims to bring joy to every meal.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Honey Butter Chicken Bites served on a plate

Why This Honey Butter Chicken Bites Recipe Works

This recipe for Honey Butter Chicken Bites is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The crispy texture of the chicken combined with the rich honey butter glaze makes every bite irresistible. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking, making it a versatile dish for all taste buds.

The technique of double coating the chicken helps achieve an extra crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Frying in hot oil ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, locking in all the flavors. The honey butter sauce is the finishing touch that elevates this dish to a whole new level.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying the chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for perfect crispy bites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites in advance by coating them and refrigerating until you are ready to fry. They can also be fried ahead of time and reheated in the oven just before serving. Just be aware that the coating may not be as crispy if stored for too long.

If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but they won't give you the same crunchy texture. You can also try crushed cornflakes or even crushed crackers for a unique twist on the coating.

The chicken bites are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, or cut into a piece to ensure it's fully cooked and no longer pink inside.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven until heated through.

Honey Butter Chicken Bites pair well with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch or a spicy aioli for added flavor.

Honey Butter Chicken Bites can last in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to enjoy the leftovers.

You can prepare the chicken by coating it and keeping it in the refrigerator until you're ready to fry. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the chicken even tastier when cooked.

The best way to reheat Honey Butter Chicken Bites is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the chicken bites on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your chicken bites come out dry, it could be due to overcooking.

Solution: Make sure to monitor the cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chicken bites are not crispy, they may not have been fried at the right temperature.

Solution: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Ideally, it should be between 350°F and 375°F for a perfect crisp.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken bites can become tough and chewy.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the frying process and use a thermometer to monitor the chicken's internal temperature.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the chicken is undercooked in the center, it can be unsafe to eat.

Recovery: If you find the chicken undercooked after frying, return it to the oil for a few more minutes until it reaches the proper internal temperature.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior usually indicates that the oil was too hot or the chicken was fried for too long.

Prevention: Monitor your frying closely and adjust the heat as necessary to maintain the right temperature.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bites are too sweet, balance the flavor by adding more salt to the honey butter sauce.

Too Salty: If they are too salty, try serving them with a fresh dipping sauce to offset the saltiness.

Bland: If the chicken bites lack flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight before breading and frying.

Fresh ingredients for Honey Butter Chicken Bites

Essential Ingredients for Honey Butter Chicken Bites

The main ingredients in this recipe are simple yet impactful. Fresh chicken provides the protein base, while the honey butter sauce adds the signature sweet and savory flavor that makes these bites irresistible. The combination of spices ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best results. Opt for fresh chicken and organic honey for a rich, natural taste. The spices should be fresh and aromatic to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken for easy preparation and even cooking. Ensure the chicken is fresh and cut into uniform pieces for consistent frying.
  • Honey: Opt for pure honey for the best flavor. Raw honey adds a unique sweetness and depth to the sauce, making the bites more delicious.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. They are lighter and create a crispier texture when fried.
Cooking process for Honey Butter Chicken Bites

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Cooking these Honey Butter Chicken Bites is straightforward, making it a great recipe for any skill level. Start with prepping your ingredients and follow the simple coating process. Fry until golden brown and toss in the honey butter sauce for that delicious finish.

The key to achieving perfect results lies in maintaining the right oil temperature and ensuring each chicken piece is adequately coated. This not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a delightful crunch in every bite.

Key Technique for Perfect Honey Butter Chicken Bites

The most important technique to master for this recipe is the double-dipping method. Coating the chicken in flour, egg, and then panko creates a thick crust that crisps beautifully when fried, sealing in the moisture and flavor of the chicken.

Honey Butter Chicken Bites

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup honey
    Natural honey
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
    For added sweetness
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Enhances flavor
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
    For a hint of spice

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup flour
    For coating
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    Adds flavor
  • 1 tsp onion powder
    Adds flavor
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
    For color and flavor
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
    To taste
  • 2 eggs
    For egg wash
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
    For crunchy coating

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. Prepare Egg Wash

    In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.

  4. Prepare Breadcrumbs

    Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

  5. Coat Chicken Pieces

    Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.

  6. Fry the Chicken

    Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the chicken bites until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

  7. Prepare Honey Butter Sauce

    In a bowl, mix the room temperature butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.

  8. Combine Chicken with Sauce

    Toss the fried chicken bites in the honey butter sauce until well coated.

  9. Serve and Garnish

    Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Honey Butter Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. For optimal taste, reheat them in the oven to retain their crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Honey Butter Chicken Bites with a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard. They also pair well with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

You can experiment with flavors by adding spices like cayenne pepper for heat or using different types of honey for varied sweetness. For a healthier option, try baking the chicken bites instead of frying.