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If you are searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken with an irresistible tangy glaze, look no further than this Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites Recipe. These bite-sized morsels come coated in a perfectly crisp crust, then lovingly tossed in a smoky, sweet barbecue sauce that clings to every piece. Whether you want a fun appetizer for your next gathering or a flavorful weeknight dinner, these chicken bites bring bold flavors and comforting textures that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of straightforward ingredients can come together to create such a scrumptious dish. Each component plays its part in giving these chicken bites their crispiness, juicy tenderness, and that signature smoky-sweet barbecue flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1.5 pounds): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option; cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize and adds subtle tanginess.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binding agent to help the coating cling perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Forms the base of the crisp, golden fried coating.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Adds extra crunch and lightness to the coating for a delightful texture.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a mild smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides aromatic depth to the coating.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to balance flavors.
- Vegetable or canola oil: For frying; choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
- BBQ sauce (3/4 cup): Use your favorite homemade or store-bought sauce for that signature savory glaze.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness if you are preparing homemade BBQ sauce.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick that livens up the glaze.
- Chopped chives or parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Fresh herbs for a bright, colorful finish.
How to Make Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cut and Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless chicken into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks—bite-sized pieces that are perfect for sharing. Then, whisk together the buttermilk and egg in a bowl and immerse the chicken pieces in this mixture. The buttermilk tenderizes each bite, leaving them juicy inside, while the egg helps the coating stick after frying. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken marinates, mix the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This dry coating blend is what brings that crave-worthy crunch and smoky flavor to every bite. Once your chicken is ready, dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece gets a generous but even coat—it’s these crispy bits you’ll be biting into shortly.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat your oil in a deep pan or skillet until it reaches 350°F—that’s the sweet spot for frying chicken to golden perfection. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, frying the chicken bites for 4 to 6 minutes until they develop a crispy exterior and are cooked through. Set them aside on paper towels to drain excess oil and keep their crunch intact.
Step 4: Make the BBQ Glaze
If you’re using homemade BBQ sauce, combine it with brown sugar and a splash of hot sauce in a small saucepan, warming it gently until it thickens just a bit. This simple tweak is what takes the glaze from everyday to extraordinary. If you’re using store-bought sauce, just warm it up slightly to deepen its flavor and make it easier to coat the chicken.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Place your golden fried chicken bites in a large bowl and pour the warm BBQ sauce over them. Toss everything together until the chicken is generously and evenly coated. Finally, sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a pop of fresh color and delightful herbaceous hint. Your Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley adds not just color but a lift in flavor that complements the smoky-sweet BBQ sauce perfectly. For an added dimension, some sesame seeds or a light drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side can be wonderful options too.
Side Dishes
These chicken bites pair beautifully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, crisp garden salad, or even a warm baked potato. For a more hearty meal, try serving them alongside buttery corn on the cob or a fluffy batch of mac and cheese. The balance of textures and flavors will make the meal feel complete without overwhelming the star of the show—the chicken bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites Recipe in fun ways for special occasions. Serve in a rustic wooden bowl for a casual vibe or skewer the bites for easy party finger food. You can also pile them on a slider bun with a smear of coleslaw for a tasty mini sandwich experience. Whatever presentation you choose, these versatile bites shine in every form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them a perfect quick snack or easy lunch option the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep these chicken bites longer, freeze them after frying and cooling completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 2 months without losing their deliciousness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your chicken bites in a hot oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Microwaving is faster but may leave the coating less crunchy. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thighs tend to stay juicier due to their higher fat content, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer a leaner option. Just watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the breast meat.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
Marinating in buttermilk is highly recommended because it tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tang. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip it and still get great results, though the texture may be less tender.
Can I bake the chicken bites instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken as directed, then place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating will be less crispy than frying but still delicious.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
This recipe is very versatile and works with any BBQ sauce you love, whether it’s a tangy vinegar-based sauce or a sweeter Kansas City-style sauce. Homemade sauces allow you to tailor the sweetness and spice perfectly.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Definitely! Adding hot sauce to the glaze is a simple way to add heat, or you can mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating mix for an extra punch of spice in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites Recipe is a true gem, delivering rich flavors, a satisfying crunch, and juicy tenderness with every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for your next get-together. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Print
Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time minimum)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites are crispy, juicy, and coated in a flavorful BBQ glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, they feature tender chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a tangy BBQ sauce with optional spicy heat and fresh herb garnish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1–1.5 inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Coating
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying, enough to deep fry
BBQ Sauce Glaze
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (if using homemade BBQ sauce)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cut and Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness and flavor infusion.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices. Remove each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, coating each piece completely and shaking off any excess.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan, for approximately 4 to 6 minutes per batch. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the BBQ Glaze: If using homemade BBQ sauce, combine the sauce, brown sugar, and optional hot sauce in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the mixture is warm and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If using store-bought sauce, warm it gently before use.
- Toss and Serve: Place the fried chicken bites into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm BBQ sauce glaze over the chicken and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds moisture.
- Make sure the oil is heated to the correct temperature to ensure crispy coating and fully cooked chicken.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and prevent soggy chicken.
- If you prefer less oil, you can bake the coated chicken, but it will not be as crispy.
- Customize the BBQ sauce heat level by adjusting or omitting the hot sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
