The summer season is all about creating memories with family and friends, whether it be road trips, cookouts, beach vacations, you name it. But for every summer salad, there’s usually a lot of grilled red meat and processed snacks.

So if you’re looking for a lighter summer-time bite that’s sweet, savory, and packs in the spice, these Hot Honey Spicy Chicken Bites are tailor-made for you!

MyFitnessPal partnered with content creator and foodie Kelton Maloy, who created this high-protein recipe to satisfy cravings for some good old-fashioned fried chicken with a fun twist.

“I’ve been on an air fried chicken kick, but this has been one of my favorites,” he wrote on his Instagram post. “I love sweet and salty combos, and this one HITS!” 

Fun Fact: Did you know MyFitnessPal has over 2,000 recipes in our database? Find your next favorite high-protein meal in the app!

Healthy Swaps

Fried chicken usually relies on flour and oil to create the crispy coating on the chicken. While delicious, it’s also high in calories and fat. Traditional fried chicken and other fried foods can do a number on your  heart health if you eat them too often. 

If you’re looking to skip out on unhealthy oils this summer, we got you. This recipe calls for no oil, as the air fryer creates that perfect crispy coating.

While it’s not cooked like traditional chicken, it packs a punch with the spices in the breading and the tangy hot honey. It’s a healthier, flavorful twist on an all-time summer classic. 

Why We Love Protein

This high-protein recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a savory snack that helps them hit their macro goals. P

Protein is an especially important nutrient for everyone, but eating a higher amount is great for those who are looking to build muscle and strengthen bone health. These chicken bites make it easy to hit those protein goals while still satisfying cravings.

Feel free to add some more spices of your choosing, or dial back the hot sauce to make it more mild. Whether you’re all for the summer heat or savoring the sweeter moments, these chicken bites will be your snack of the summer!

Hot Honey Chicken Bites

Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 cup corn flakes, crushed into fine crumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp.n salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp. hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp. butter, melted

Directions

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
4. Transfer the egg-coated chicken to the cornflake mixture and press gently to ensure the coating sticks. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
6. Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
7. Air fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. (The internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
8. While the chicken is cooking, combine the honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a small bowl. Mix well to create a smooth sauce.
9. Once the chicken bites are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
10. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken bites and toss to coat evenly.
11. Serve the hot honey crispy chicken bites immediately, with extra sauce on the side if desired.

Nutritional per serving:

Calories: 424; Protein: 49.6g; Fat: 7.4g; Carbs: 38.4g