What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s all about quick and easy homemade recipes like these fried honey bbq chicken bites, loaded with sweet and tangy flavors from honey and BBQ sauce. Save this idea for a family favorite that’s sure to please, try it soon and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade cooking

two plates filled with fried honey bbq chicken bites

Introduction

Fried honey BBQ chicken bites are a mouthwatering treat that combines the sweetness of honey, the tanginess of BBQ sauce, and the crunch of fried chicken. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine with a flavorful and easy-to-make recipe. The best part? It’s made with everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack for your next gathering. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a rich, sweet, and tangy flavor profile that complements the crispy fried chicken perfectly. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find in most supermarkets, making it a convenient option for anyone.
Ease of preparation: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and effort. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to work with, making it a great option for beginners or experienced cooks alike.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this recipe yields impressive results that are sure to wow your family and friends. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of the chicken, combined with the sweet and tangy sauce, make for a truly delicious and satisfying dish.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, honey, BBQ sauce, and vegetable oil. You’ll also need some salt and pepper to taste. For a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you want to get creative, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, you can use different types of breadcrumbs, such as gluten-free or whole wheat, to suit your dietary needs.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing the ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, coating it evenly, then into the eggs, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to help them stick. Place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey BBQ sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and BBQ sauce until well combined. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Then, toss the chicken pieces in the honey BBQ sauce until they’re fully coated.
Step 4: To serve, place the fried honey BBQ chicken bites on a plate or platter and garnish with chopped scallions or parsley, if desired. You can also serve with additional sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in greasy or undercooked chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
If you want to bake the chicken instead of frying, you can do so in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve the chicken bites with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

Heat Control

When frying the chicken, it’s essential to maintain the right oil temperature to achieve a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The ideal temperature for frying chicken is between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s fully cooked on the inside. On the other hand, if the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. To check for doneness, look for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the panko breadcrumbs, which provide a light and airy texture that complements the crispy fried chicken perfectly. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to not overcoat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, as this can result in a heavy, greasy coating. Also, be gentle when tossing the chicken in the sauce, as you want to maintain the crunchy exterior.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

To make the dish more efficient, you can prepare the sauce and the breadcrumb mixture ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to use.
For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the coated chicken pieces in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frying. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken better and create a crunchier exterior.
To reduce mess and cleanup, you can line the skillet with parchment paper or a silicone mat before frying the chicken. This will make it easier to remove the chicken and sauce from the skillet and reduce the amount of oil splatters.

Storage Tips

Leftover fried honey BBQ chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
For optimal storage, make sure to cool the chicken completely before refrigerating or freezing to prevent moisture from building up and causing the chicken to become soggy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give fried honey BBQ chicken bites as a gift, you can package them in a variety of creative ways. One idea is to place the chicken bites in a decorative tin or container, such as a mini cast-iron skillet or a wooden crate. You can also wrap the chicken in parchment paper or wax paper and tie with a ribbon or twine. For a more substantial gift, you can include a side of sauce or a salad, along with some crusty bread or crackers. Whatever packaging you choose, make sure to include a personalized note or card with the recipe and any relevant instructions or tips.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: You can add a variety of spices to the breadcrumb mixture to give the chicken a unique flavor. Some options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Creative toppings: Once the chicken is cooked, you can top it with a variety of ingredients to add extra flavor and texture. Some options include diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapenos, as well as shredded cheese, chopped bacon, or diced avocado.
Ingredient swaps: If you want to make the dish more substantial, you can swap out the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or pork. You can also use different types of breadcrumbs, such as gluten-free or whole wheat, to suit your dietary needs.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the chicken is too greasy or soggy, it may be due to overcrowding the skillet or not maintaining the right oil temperature. To fix this, try frying the chicken in batches and adjusting the heat as needed.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a particular ingredient, such as panko breadcrumbs or honey, you can substitute it with a similar ingredient. For example, you can use regular breadcrumbs or cornstarch instead of panko, and maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
Over/undercooking signs: If the chicken is overcooked, it will be dry and tough. If it’s undercooked, it will be pink and juicy. To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a food thermometer to check for doneness.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Is it gluten-free? The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and being mindful of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more chicken bites. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Fried honey BBQ chicken bites are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their meal routine. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or main course, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the crunchy, sweet, and tangy goodness of fried honey BBQ chicken bites!

Crispy Honey BBQ Bites