Prepare to embark on a flavor explosion that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! These Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are about to become your new obsession – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with a sweet and tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a mouthwatering main course, this recipe is guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters and leave everyone craving more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of diced chicken breast, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, salt and pepper to taste, and vegetable oil for frying.
- In a medium bowl, combine the honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a marinade.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the marinade, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your frying area. In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan (about 1/4 inch deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken bites to the skillet in a single layer. Be cautious to avoid splattering. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
- Fry the chicken bites for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- After all the chicken bites are cooked, you can toss them in any remaining marinade or serve them with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
- Serve the Honey BBQ Chicken Bites warm, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious American-style dish!
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for maximum flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Oil Temperature is Key: Use a cooking thermometer or drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, your oil is ready for frying.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken bites in batches to ensure they get crispy and brown evenly. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the marinade and dice the chicken ahead of time, making this recipe perfect for quick weeknight meals or party prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with additional BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or create a dipping station with various sauces to keep things interesting.
- Leftover Love: Store any remaining chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
