There’s something irresistible about the sweet and smoky combination of honey and barbecue sauce, especially when it’s glazed over perfectly baked chicken. This Honey BBQ Baked Chicken brings together these beloved flavors in a dish that’s both comforting and impressive enough for any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
I developed this recipe after countless requests for an easy chicken dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for simplicity. The result is this tender, juicy chicken with a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating that mouthwatering appeal that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple preparation with just a handful of ingredients you likely already have
- The perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy BBQ flavors
- Incredibly juicy chicken with a caramelized, sticky exterior
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults too
- Minimal hands-on time – the oven does most of the work!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 5 cups corn flakes cereal, crushed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Put the chicken strips in a medium bowl and add the flour. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated with flour.
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- Whisk the eggs and milk together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Dip each flour-coated chicken strip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Then roll generously in the corn flake mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
- Place the breaded chicken strips on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping them over at the 10-minute mark for even browning.
- While the chicken bakes, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove chicken from oven and let it cool for 3-4 minutes. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Serve right away.
Tips & Variations
- For spicier chicken, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work too, but reduce cooking time to about 25-30 minutes total.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 2-4 hours before baking.
- Try adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the sauce for a grown-up twist.
- For a tangier flavor, increase the apple cider vinegar to 2 tablespoons.
- Make it a sheet pan meal by adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini around the chicken for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Honey BBQ Baked Chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
For a summer barbecue feel, serve alongside classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. The sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken complement these traditional BBQ accompaniments perfectly.
Notes
- Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The sauce tends to caramelize quickly due to the honey, so watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking.
- For meal prep, prepare the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Boneless thighs take about 25-30 minutes total, while boneless breasts may only need 20-25 minutes.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, brushing with additional sauce halfway through cooking time.
Is there a substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar make excellent substitutes with slightly different flavor profiles.
Can I grill this chicken instead of baking it?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, basting with the sauce during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
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