Easy BBQ Chicken Bites is a great recipe if you like barbecued chicken. They’re not complicated to make and they cooks up in less than 30 minutes. Done!
(Post modified with new photos on 9/23/23.)
This recipe was actually inspired by my shopping trips to Walmart with our daughters when they lived at home. It seemed like we would shop for hours, usually after they had gotten home from school, so by the time we were nearing the end, it was close, if not past suppertime.
And we were hungry. The wonderful smell from the deli would draw us in. Barbecued Chicken and Fried Potato Wedges. And more often than not I would succumb to the temptation and buy some for our supper. That, or DiGiorno Pizza–but I’ll save that for another recipe post.
As a somewhat frugal mom and also a food blogger, I had to try and figure out a recipe to make at home. These Chicken Bites fit the bill perfectly. Even for my selective, hungry daughters.
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Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Bites
(See the full recipe at the bottom of this post.)
- chicken tenders (fresh or frozen)
- all-purpose flour
- seasoned salt
- dried parsley
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- freshly ground black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
- barbecue sauce (We like Sweet Baby Rays)
Instructions for Making This Recipe
Gather the ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.
To make the chicken bites, first thaw your chicken tenders in the microwave (if they are frozen). Then cut them into bite-size pieces, about 1-1 1/2 inch thick.
Place flour, seasoned salt, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a gallon freezer bag. Shake it around to sift the ingredients together. Then add in the chicken pieces. Shake until the pieces are completely coated.
Using a large cast iron skillet, heat enough oil to cover the pan. Once the pan is hot add the chicken to the oil. (You can test this by tossing a pinch of flour into the oil, and if it sizzles, it’s ready.)
Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. Turn and cook the other side for another 4-6 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
When the chicken has browned on all sides, pour your favorite barbecue sauce over the pieces (enough to coat well) and cook for another 5 minutes.
This is actually my favorite part of the recipe. Pouring on the barbecue sauce and watching it sizzle and blend into the oil. It forms this wonderful saucy glaze on the chicken that is just scrumptious. And cooking it for just a few minutes gives it a little bit of a crust. So yummy!
Serve hot chicken pieces in a pretty bowl or dish. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs. I like to serve this with Baked Parmesan Fries or Easy Macaroni and Cheese. This recipe will serves 4-6 people.
See more Main Dishes Here. Browse Chicken Recipes Here.
Easy BBQ Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds frozen chicken tenders thawed and cut into 1" chunks
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup barbecue sauce We like Sweet Baby Rays
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.
- Using a knife and cutting board, slice chicken tenders into 1 - 1 1/2 " chunks.
- Place all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder and coarsely ground black pepper in a gallon freezer bag. Shake to combine.
- Add chicken to bag and toss to coat well.
- Heat a large skillet with vegetable oil. Place chicken pieces in oil and cook for 4-5 minutes on medium heat. Turn and cook another 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Pour barbecue sauce over chicken (enough to coat well) and cook for another 5 minutes. Serves 4-6.
