Succulent Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Recipe

Craving the sweet and tangy flavors of your favorite honey BBQ wings but looking for a cleaner, mess-free option? Say hello to my delicious and family-approved Honey BBQ Baked Chicken recipe. Transforming boneless, skinless chicken breasts into crispy strips coated in a crunchy layer of crushed corn flakes, this dish is a game-changer for both kids and adults alike.

Picture this: tender chicken strips baked to perfection, then generously coated in a sticky, finger-licking-good honey BBQ sauce. Each bite is a harmony of savory and sweet flavors that will have your taste buds singing. The secret lies in the cooling process post-baking, ensuring that your chicken stays delightfully crispy, just the way it should be.

Whether you’re serving this as a satisfying main dish with classic sides or as irresistible appetizers at your next gathering, this Honey BBQ Baked Chicken is sure to steal the show. Plus, with some creative tweaks like experimenting with different coatings and spice blends, you can customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this homemade delight that proves baked dishes can rival their fried counterparts any day!

Quick Benefits

• Healthier alternative to fried chicken
• Crispy coating that stays crunchy even after adding sauce
• Versatile – can be served as a main dish or appetizer for parties
• Easy to customize with different coatings and sauces

Why You’ll Love This Succulent Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Recipe Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of honey, BBQ sauce, and crunchy corn flakes creates a sweet and savory flavor profile that is irresistible.
• Crispy Coating: The crushed corn flakes coating stays delightfully crispy even after being tossed in the sticky sauce, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these chicken strips for the amazing taste and lack of mess compared to traditional wings, making them a hit with picky eaters.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main dish with classic sides or as appetizers for parties, offering a crowd-pleasing option for various occasions.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by trying different cereals, spice blends, or adding heat for a personalized twist on the classic honey BBQ flavor.
• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the indulgent taste of fried chicken without the greasiness by baking these chicken strips, showcasing that healthier cooking methods can still deliver delicious results.
• Reheatable: Leftovers can be stored and crisped up in the oven, maintaining the crispy coating and ensuring you can enjoy this dish even after it’s been made.

Ingredients for Succulent Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Recipe

For the chicken

• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

For the coating

• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cups corn flakes cereal, crushed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the honey BBQ sauce

• ½ cup honey
• 1½ cups BBQ sauce
• ½ cup ketchup

How to Make Succulent Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for baking

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Coat chicken with flour

Place chicken strips in a medium bowl and coat with flour by tossing together until well coated.

Step 3: Prepare coating mixture

Combine crushed corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Make egg wash

Combine the eggs and milk in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Bread the chicken

Coat each chicken strip in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Roll in the corn flake mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 6: Bake the chicken

Arrange the breaded chicken strips on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 7: Make the honey BBQ sauce

While the chicken is baking, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup in a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Sauce and serve

Take the chicken out of the oven and allow it to cool for 3-4 minutes. Drizzle warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and mix well to coat. Serve immediately.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared and enjoyed the honey BBQ baked chicken, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days. To ensure the best quality when reheating, it is recommended to use the oven instead of the microwave. Reheat the chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 minutes to help crisp up the coating and maintain its crunchiness.

The honey BBQ baked chicken is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course with sides like coleslaw and baked beans or enjoyed as appetizers for parties. For a refreshing pairing, consider serving this dish with cooling sides such as cucumber salad or fresh fruit. Complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken with beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or cold beer for a well-rounded dining experience. Explore variations by trying different cereals for the coating, adding hot sauce for heat, or experimenting with unique spice blends to create diverse flavor profiles.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. This swap will still help the coating stick to the chicken while catering to dietary restrictions. For a dairy-free option, you can replace the whole milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or coconut milk, ensuring the same creamy texture in the coating mixture.

To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can swap the chicken breasts for tofu or tempeh strips. The tofu or tempeh will absorb the flavors of the BBQ sauce and honey while providing a similar texture to the chicken. Additionally, if you prefer a different sweetener, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the BBQ sauce for a unique flavor profile. These substitutions allow you to customize the dish to suit different dietary needs and preferences while still enjoying the delicious honey BBQ flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this honey BBQ baked chicken, try skewering the chicken strips on wooden sticks after coating them in the crunchy corn flakes mixture. This makes for a fun and easy-to-eat appetizer option at parties. Serve them with a side of extra BBQ sauce or a creamy ranch dressing for dipping to enhance the flavors.

For a creative twist, turn these chicken strips into sliders by placing them on mini buns with a dollop of coleslaw or pickles on top. This mini sandwich version makes for a perfect handheld meal that’s great for picnics or casual gatherings. Pair the sliders with some sweet potato fries or a refreshing cucumber salad to complete the meal.

FAQs for Succulent Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Recipe

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute bone-in chicken pieces for boneless chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I use a different type of cereal for the coating?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of cereal like panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed potato chips to create a unique coating for the chicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

While the chicken is best eaten fresh for optimal crispiness, you can prepare the coated chicken strips ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake them just before serving to ensure they are crispy and delicious.

How can I prevent the coating from becoming soggy when adding the BBQ sauce?

Allow the baked chicken strips to cool for a few minutes before tossing them in the honey BBQ sauce. This will help maintain the crispy coating and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Conclusion

I hope this Honey BBQ Baked Chicken recipe brings as much joy and satisfaction to your table as it has to mine. The combination of sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce perfectly coating that crispy, crunchy chicken is simply irresistible. Whether you’re treating your family to a delicious weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own by trying out different variations and serving it with your favorite sides and beverages. The beauty of cooking is in the experimentation, so feel free to explore different flavors and techniques to enhance your Honey BBQ Baked Chicken experience. Remember, good food made with love and care always tastes the best. Enjoy every bite of this delectable dish, and happy cooking!