Boneless BBQ Chicken Bites

Name: Boneless BBQ Chicken Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (cut into one inch pieces); 1 large egg (beaten); 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup barbecue sauce; vegetable oil for frying

KrystelMay 1, 2024

DifficultyMedium

Sizzling Boneless Bbq Chicken Bites: a Game Day Triumph

Introduction

Hey there! I'm thrilled to share with you a game day recipe that's not only loved by everyone but super simple to make – yes, I’m talking about those irresistible Boneless BBQ Chicken Bites. Picture this: it’s game day, the excitement is palpable, and amidst all the cheering and anticipation, there’s one thing that brings us all together - food. Not just any food, but those perfectly crispy, golden brown bites drenched in that tangy barbecue sauce, making every bite an explosion of flavors.

You see, I’ve always believed in the magic of simple recipes. They have the power to make any gathering memorable. And what’s better than a recipe that promises deliciousness without much fuss? Trust me; once you try these chicken bites, they’ll become a staple for every game day. The best part? You watch the game, enjoy the company, and savor every single bite, all while knowing you've served up a dish that's sure to score big with your crowd!

Key Takeaways:

Boneless BBQ Chicken Bites are a crowd-pleaser for any game day.
Simple and easy to prepare, this recipe promises deliciousness with minimal effort.
Perfect for gatherings, these chicken bites ensure you enjoy the game and great food.

What You'll Need

1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for those delectable bites.
1 large egg, because every crispy coating starts with an egg mixture, right?
½ cup all-purpose flour and ½ cup corn starch, blended for that perfect crust – it’s food starch wizardry!
½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon onion powder, because flavor matters.
½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, essential seasonings for that golden brown perfection.
1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce, for saucing things up in style.
Vegetable oil for frying, because we’re going for that irresistible crispy finish.
Optional: Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side, turning up game day into a feast day!

Prep the Chicken

Now, let's dive into what might just become your new game day tradition: preparing those juicy, boneless BBQ chicken bites. The first step? Prepping the chicken, of course. I like to start with boneless skinless chicken breasts, cutting them into perfect, bite-sized pieces. This way, you're ensuring every nibble is packed with flavor and ready to be doused in that irresistible BBQ sauce.

Cut the chicken: Take your boneless skinless chicken breasts and, using a sharp knife, cut them into bite-sized pieces. This size is perfect for ensuring that each piece cooks evenly and gets that golden brown finish we're all after.
Egg mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg mixture. This will act as the first step in our breading process, helping the flour mixture stick to the chicken pieces, making them ready for that hot oil.
Flour mixture: In a separate bowl, blend your flour mixture, seasoned with just the right amounts of garlic powder and onion powder, to give those chicken bites an extra layer of flavor. After dipping the chicken pieces in the egg, coat them evenly in the flour mixture. This step is not just about flavor; it’s about getting that perfect crispy outer layer.

There you have it. Just a few simple steps and your chicken is primed and ready for the fryer. The magic combination of garlic powder and onion powder in our flour mixture promises to infuse each bite with savory goodness, setting the stage for that final, BBQ sauce glory.

Ready, Set, Fry!

You'll know it's hot enough when it sizzles upon the test of a single breadcrumb. Now, carefully lay your chicken pieces in the hot oil, not overcrowding them to ensure each piece becomes perfectly golden brown. This step is crucial for that crispy exterior we all crave. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits just the right mark of 165°F, ensuring our bites are cooked through, yet succulent on the inside.

Pro tip: Fry in batches to maintain that ideal temperature. Overcrowding cools the oil, leaving us with less-than-crisp bites.
Remember: Handle hot oil with care to prevent splashes. Safety first, deliciousness follows!

Once fried to a tempting golden hue, transfer your bites to a paper towel-lined plate to shed any excess oil. They're almost ready for the grand toss in that warm bbq sauce. The stage is set, the crowd is hungry, and your boneless BBQ chicken bites are about to make their sizzling debut.

Saucing Things Up

Once our crispy chicken bites are golden brown and resting comfortably, the real magic happens. It’s time to get saucy, my friends! You see, the secret to those mouth-watering, sizzling boneless BBQ chicken bites isn't just in the frying; it's all in the saucing up. Grab that large skillet and let's get to work. Pour your favorite barbecue sauce—a tangy concoction of sweetness and spice—into the skillet. Warm it gently over medium heat, just enough to loosen it up.

This is where it gets fun. Toss those perfectly fried pieces of chicken into the skillet. With a gentle hand, coat each piece thoroughly in the warm sauce, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered in that barbecue goodness. The goal here is to achieve that even and thorough coating, transforming simple fried chicken into a game day triumph. Trust me, the combination of crispy chicken and rich, sticky sauce is a match made in heaven.

Serving Suggestions

Imagine this: It's game day, and you've just pulled out a tray of sizzling boneless BBQ chicken bites from the kitchen. The aroma alone is enough to gather everyone around. But, how do you turn this delicious dish into a true game day triumph?

Dipping Delight: Pair these crispy bites with an array of dips. Think tangy ranch dressing, creamy blue cheese, or even a homemade buffalo sauce for an extra kick. The contrast between the sweet BBQ glaze and the dips will have everyone reaching for more.
Veggie Variety: Keep it fresh and balance the palate by serving alongside crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, and slices of green bell pepper. Not only do they add a crunch, but they also offer a reprieve from the richness of the meat.
Double Up on Sauces: Why stick to one? Offer a warm sauce packet of BBQ and another with a spicier option. Let your guests customize their plate to their liking. It's all about choices.

Variations and Tips

Give your air fryer a workout: Swap out the hot oil for a healthier option by cooking these boneless BBQ chicken bites in an air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer and cook until they reach that perfect golden brown. Remember, no vegetable oil needed here!
Turn up the heat with hot sauce: If you're all about that spice, mix some hot sauce into your barbecue sauce. This tweak is perfect for those who love their boneless buffalo wings with an extra kick.
Dietary swaps for everyone: Accommodate all your game day guests by using gluten-free flour for the coating and opting for soybean oil if allergies are a concern. You can even use olive oil for a heart-healthy option!
Keep them fresh: Not all your boneless chicken bites got to see the game day light? No problem! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They'll stay crispy and delicious, ready for a quick meal prep or a snack time treat.

Plate, Share, Enjoy!

Just picturing those golden brown, succulent bite-sized pieces coated in that tangy barbecue sauce makes my heart swell with pride - and I want you to feel that too.

I’ve always said, the true joy in cooking comes not just from the flavors you create but from the memories you make sharing them. Whether it's around a boisterous table full of your closest friends or a cozy night in with your family, these boneless chicken bites are more than just food, they’re a reason to come together. Encourage your guests to dip into that homemade buffalo sauce or that cooling ranch dressing, watch their faces light up, and know that you’ve brought that joy to the table.

Don’t keep this triumph to yourself, either. Sharing goes beyond the table. Snap a picture of your masterpiece and share it on TikTok, make your followers drool over your creation, inspire others to cook, and join in the universal language of good food. After all, every bite, every flavor brings us closer, and every shared meal is a story worth telling. So, go ahead, plate up those irresistible chicken bites, gather your loved ones, and relish the beautiful chaos of flavors, laughter, and stories. Trust me, it’s the very best part.

Looking for other great skewer recipes? Check out my Crispy BBQ Chicken Wings recipe!