Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken into an EPIC, INSANE, and LEGENDARY dish! I’m Chef Maxine “Max” Delarue, the bold culinary rebel, and I’m about to show you how to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with my Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites with Spicy Honey Drizzle. This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it! We’re talking crispy, pumpkin-spiced chicken bites drizzled with a sensational spicy honey sauce that will have your taste buds begging for more. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so get ready to blow your friends and family away with this mouth-watering, addictive creation!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites with Spicy Honey Drizzle
These Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites are the ultimate fall-inspired dish that will have you FEASTING like a true culinary rebel. The combination of the tender, juicy chicken coated in a crispy, pumpkin-spiced breading and the explosive, spicy-sweet honey drizzle is an EPIC flavor explosion that will leave you completely ADDICTED. This recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and heat, making it an absolute MUST-TRY for any food lover. Prepare to be THRILLED and EXCITED as you devour these SENSATIONAL bites that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to SMASH this dish and leave your guests AMAZED and INCREDIBLE with your culinary prowess. This recipe is a REVOLUTIONARY way to elevate your ordinary chicken into a MASSIVE, LEGENDARY food adventure!
Ingredients
To create these EPIC Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites, you’ll need a few simple, yet EXPLOSIVE ingredients. You’ll start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which will be coated in a mixture of pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and a blend of warm, autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This will create a SENSATIONAL pumpkin-spiced breading that will give your chicken a crispy, LEGENDARY texture. For the spicy honey drizzle, you’ll need honey, hot sauce, and a touch of lime juice to balance the flavors. Get ready to FEAST on this IRRESISTIBLE, MOUTH-WATERING dish!
- 1 lb (450g) – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup (240ml) – Pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Maple syrup
- 1 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp – Ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp – Ground ginger
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 1 cup (100g) – Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50g) – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Honey
- 2 tbsp – Hot sauce
- 1 tbsp – Lime juice
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (chicken breasts will work great in this recipe as well!)
- Hot Sauce: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey drizzle to suit your spice preference (or omit it completely for a milder sauce)
How to Make Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites with Spicy Honey Drizzle
Let’s get started on this EPIC food adventure! First, we’ll prep the chicken, then get that CRISPY, LEGENDARY texture, and finish with the EXPLOSIVE Spicy Honey Drizzle.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat them evenly in the pumpkin-spiced mixture.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to get that CRISPY, LEGENDARY texture on our chicken bites. In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Working one piece of chicken at a time, dredge the pumpkin-coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere. Arrange the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. While the chicken is baking, let’s make the EXPLOSIVE Spicy Honey Drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and lime juice until well combined.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the chicken bites are out of the oven, drizzle the spicy honey sauce over the top, making sure to get every nook and cranny. Get ready to FEAST your eyes on this INSANE, LEGENDARY dish!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Autumn Flavor Swap: Try substituting the pumpkin puree with sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a different autumnal twist.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices, like smoked paprika or chili powder, to amp up the heat and flavor even further.
- Serving Options: Serve these Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites as a THRILLING main dish, or use them as a SENSATIONAL appetizer for your next gathering. They’d be INCREDIBLE paired with a fresh fall salad or roasted vegetables for a MASSIVE, LEGENDARY meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Try serving these bites with a creamy, tangy ranch dressing, a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, or a cool and refreshing yogurt-based dip. The options are ENDLESS when it comes to customizing this EXPLOSIVE dish to suit your taste buds.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh fall salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the chicken bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken bites in advance by coating them in the pumpkin-spiced mixture and breadcrumbs, then refrigerating until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites are not only EXPLOSIVE in flavor, but they’re also a SENSATIONAL and HEALTHY option for your FEASTING pleasure. Each serving (about 5 chicken bites) provides a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep you feeling THRILLED and EXCITED long after your MASSIVE, LEGENDARY meal.
- Serving Size: 5 chicken bites
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! This recipe is INCREDIBLY versatile, and you can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the thighs. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the EXPLOSIVE flavor and CRISPY texture will still be LEGENDARY.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare these Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites in advance. Simply coat the chicken in the pumpkin-spiced mixture, dredge in the breadcrumbs, and arrange on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, just pop them in the oven and get ready to FEAST on this INSANE dish!
Can I freeze these chicken bites?
Absolutely! These EPIC bites freeze INCREDIBLY well. Simply place the cooked and cooled chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen chicken bites at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
What can I serve with these chicken bites?
The possibilities are ENDLESS when it comes to pairing these Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites with delicious sides. Try serving them with a fresh fall salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy, dreamy mashed potato dish for a MASSIVE, LEGENDARY meal. You can also serve them as an EPIC appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch, BBQ, or a cool and refreshing yogurt-based dip.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites gluten-free, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This REVOLUTIONARY swap will ensure that everyone can FEAST on this INSANE, LEGENDARY dish, no matter their dietary restrictions.
Try These Next
- Spicy Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake With Maple Drizzle
- Ghost Pepper Bbq Chicken Nacho Bake
- Harvest Moon Burger With Apple Cider Glaze
Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites with Spicy Honey Drizzle
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 CRISPY KINGDOM
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites are coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, perfect for a delightful appetizer or snack!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup pumpkin purée
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp sriracha
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin purée, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken pieces in the pumpkin mixture until well covered.
4. Roll the coated chicken in breadcrumbs to create a crispy layer.
5. Place the chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. While chicken is baking, combine honey and sriracha to make the spicy drizzle.
7. Once the chicken is done, drizzle the spicy honey over the bites and serve warm.
Notes
For extra crunch, broil the chicken bites for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to adjust the spiciness of the drizzle by varying the amount of sriracha.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, pumpkin, bites, appetizer