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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup honey - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish Using these simple ingredients, you can create a delightful dish. The chicken breasts are the star here. They’re easy to work with and super tender. Honey adds sweetness, while BBQ sauce gives depth. Soy sauce adds that nice umami flavor. For seasoning, garlic and onion powder create a rich taste. Smoked paprika adds a little warmth and color. The olive oil helps in cooking the chicken to a golden brown. Lastly, fresh parsley brightens up the dish. It makes the chicken look pretty and fresh. Gathering these ingredients is a breeze. You might already have many in your kitchen. When you combine them, magic happens. Enjoy the process of making these tasty bites! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by whisking together the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. This step is key. It creates a sweet and tangy flavor that sticks to the chicken. Make sure everything blends well. Once mixed, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to 2 hours will deepen the flavor. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes. Turn the pieces occasionally. You want them golden brown on the outside. This step adds a nice texture. After searing, carefully transfer the chicken to a baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced for optimal cooking. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, line the baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. Once the oven is ready, place the baking sheet inside. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures your bites are safe to eat. When done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the chicken bites. Toss gently to coat them with the delicious sauce. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This will help the chicken soak up all the yummy flavors. If you like spice, you can add more garlic powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the marinade to fit your taste. When you sear the chicken, use a hot skillet with olive oil. This helps create a golden-brown crust. Sear for about 3-4 minutes, turning the pieces so they cook evenly. After searing, make sure to space the chicken bites out on the baking sheet. This allows the heat to get to each piece, ensuring even cooking. To impress your guests, serve the chicken bites on a colorful platter. Use toothpicks for easy serving. You can add a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. For a crunchy side, serve with fresh cucumber slices or carrot sticks. This makes your dish not just tasty but also fun to eat! Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours. This enhances the taste and tenderness of the chicken. Perfect Searing: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Searing at the right temperature gives a nice golden crust and locks in juices. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Garnishing: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of freshness. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like cilantro or chives for a different flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can make your Honey BBQ Chicken Bites even better. One option is to use skinless chicken thighs. They provide more flavor than chicken breasts. Thighs stay juicy and tender, making each bite delicious. Another great swap is replacing honey with maple syrup. Maple syrup gives a unique taste. It pairs well with BBQ sauce and adds a hint of sweetness. This change makes the dish a bit different but still tasty. Want a spicy kick? Try adding hot sauce to the marinade. A few drops can really boost the heat. It balances well with the sweet honey and smoky BBQ flavor. You can also mix in fresh herbs. Adding chopped parsley or cilantro gives a fresh taste. Herbs brighten the dish and add color. They enhance the overall flavor without overwhelming it. You have choices when cooking these bites. Grilling gives a smoky flavor. It creates nice char marks and crispy edges. If you want a more tender bite, baking is great too. Baking keeps the chicken juicy while allowing the sauce to caramelize. For a hands-off option, try a slow cooker. Just add the marinated chicken and let it cook. This method makes the chicken very tender. You can still get great flavor without much effort. To store leftover chicken bites, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids for the best results. If you want to save the chicken bites for later, freezing is a great option. Make sure they cool down before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best taste. To reheat chicken bites, the oven is the best choice. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken bites on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they stay crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may make them a bit soft. If you use the microwave, heat them in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time, until warm. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak up the sweet and smoky flavors of the honey BBQ sauce. If you want a deeper flavor, marinate it for up to 2 hours. Just remember, the longer you marinate, the more the flavors blend into the meat. Yes, you can! If you want to switch things up, try using skinless chicken thighs for a richer taste. You can also use fish, like salmon or tilapia. For a plant-based option, tofu works well too. Just cut it into cubes and marinate it the same way. Each option brings a unique twist to the dish. These chicken bites pair nicely with many sides. Try serving them with crispy cucumber slices or colorful carrot sticks for a fresh crunch. You can also add a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. For a hearty side, consider fluffy rice or a simple salad. Each choice complements the sweet and smoky flavors beautifully. In this post, we explored the tasty world of Honey BBQ Chicken Bites. We covered main ingredients, from chicken to seasoning, and the importance of marinating. You learned step-by-step cooking techniques and tips for perfecting flavor and presentation. Remember, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your needs. Try grilling or adding extra herbs for a new twist. Enjoy your cooking journey, and make these bites a hit at your next meal!

Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

Delicious bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for approximately 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  • Transfer the partially cooked chicken pieces to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
  • Remove from the oven and drizzle any leftover marinade over the chicken bites, tossing gently to coat.
  • Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with toothpicks and extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, BBQ, chicken, honey