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Crispy Honey BBQ Boneless Chicken Wings Easy Recipe

crispy honey bbq boneless chicken wings - featured image

These crispy honey BBQ boneless chicken wings are crunchy, saucy, and exactly the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re eating chicken breast instead of fried takeout. They’re proof that sometimes the best recipes are the ones you almost didn’t make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1.5-inch chunks)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken chunks dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; one bowl with beaten eggs; one bowl with panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Working in batches, dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Then coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick. Place breaded pieces in a single layer on a plate or cutting board.
  3. Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil. Arrange breaded chicken in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Spray tops lightly with oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange breaded chicken on top. Spray with cooking oil. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until gol…
  4. While chicken cooks, combine BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbly and slightly thickened—about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust (add a pinch of cayenne for heat if desired).
  5. Transfer cooked chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour warm glaze over the top and toss gently with tongs until every piece is coated. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For best texture, ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size (about 1.5 inches). Pat chicken very dry before breading to prevent coating from falling off. Let breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help coating adhere. Do not overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if needed. Glaze at the last minute to keep coating crispy. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Freeze breaded uncooked chicken for up to 2 months; cook from frozen adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: boneless chicken wings, honey BBQ, crispy chicken, air fryer chicken, game day appetizer, easy chicken recipe