Baked Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bites

CARIBBEAN JERK SAUCE:

• 2 Tbsp minced sweet onion
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp hot sauce your favorite brand
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1 1/2 tsp parsley
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp sage
• 1/8 tsp thyme

CHICKEN:

• 1-2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into small bite-sized pieces, or thighs
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Several dashes of hot sauce optional
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Caribbean Jerk sauce from above
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 3/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• salt and black pepper to taste
• cooking spray