What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s all about quick and easy homemade recipes like these fried honey BBQ chicken bites, made with tender chicken and a sweet honey BBQ sauce. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal to enjoy any night of the week, try it soon and let me know how it turns out

two plates filled with fried honey bbq chicken bites

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, golden fried chicken bites, smothered in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. This dish is a masterclass in balance and flavor, combining the comfort of fried chicken with the brightness of honey and the depth of BBQ sauce. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients and some simple kitchen magic. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend entertainer, these fried honey BBQ chicken bites are sure to become a favorite. They’re perfect for snacking, as an appetizer, or even as a main course, and they’re sure to impress your family and friends with their creativity and flavor.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of crispy fried chicken, sweet honey, and tangy BBQ sauce creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, all the ingredients are easy to find in your local grocery store.
• Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive results, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. The chicken bites can be cooked in just a few minutes, and the honey BBQ sauce is a breeze to whip up.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: These fried honey BBQ chicken bites are sure to impress your family and friends with their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and sweet and tangy sauce. And the best part? They require minimal effort and can be ready in just 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, honey, BBQ sauce, and vegetable oil. You’ll also need some salt and pepper to season the chicken. If you want to get fancy, you can add some diced onions or bell peppers to the batter for extra flavor. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. For a spicy kick, you can add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the batter.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to help them stick.
2. Step 2: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few of the chicken bites to the skillet (don’t overcrowd it) and fry until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Repeat with the remaining chicken bites.
3. Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey BBQ sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and BBQ sauce until smooth. When the chicken is done, remove it from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Then, toss the chicken bites in the honey BBQ sauce until they’re fully coated.
4. Step 4: To serve, place the fried honey BBQ chicken bites on a plate or platter and garnish with some chopped scallions or sesame seeds, if desired. You can also serve them with some additional honey BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and the chicken to stick together. Instead, fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
• If you want to get extra crispy chicken, you can chill the breaded chicken bites in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices in the batter to give the chicken an extra boost of flavor. Some ideas include paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Heat Control

When frying the chicken, it’s essential to maintain the right oil temperature to achieve crispy and golden-brown results. The ideal temperature for frying chicken is between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s fully cooked on the inside. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and be greasy. To check the oil temperature, use a thermometer or drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor is essential in this recipe, as it provides a satisfying texture contrast to the juicy chicken and sweet honey BBQ sauce. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to not overmix the batter, and use the right type of breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs are ideal for their light and airy texture). Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices in the batter to add extra depth and flavor to the crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an extra crispy coating, try using a combination of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in the batter. The cheese will add a salty, nutty flavor and help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken better.
• To make the honey BBQ sauce ahead of time, simply whisk together the honey and BBQ sauce in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. You can also store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• For a fun twist on the recipe, try using different types of protein like shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Simply adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed, and serve with the same honey BBQ sauce.

Storage Tips

• Leftover fried honey BBQ chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken bites on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.
• When storing the honey BBQ sauce, make sure to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 2 months and thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature when ready to use.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give these fried honey BBQ chicken bites as a gift, consider packaging them in a cute paper cone or bag with a side of honey BBQ sauce for dipping. You can also include some fun garnishes like chopped scallions or sesame seeds to add a pop of color and texture. For a more substantial gift, consider pairing the chicken bites with some other tasty treats like popcorn or cookies, and packaging them in a gift basket or tin.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the batter for a savory twist, or some spicy paprika for an extra kick.
• Creative toppings: Consider topping the fried honey BBQ chicken bites with some diced onions or bell peppers, or some crispy bacon or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, try using gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs in the batter. For a spicy version, try using hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the honey BBQ sauce.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the chicken bites are too greasy, try adjusting the oil temperature or using a different type of oil. If the chicken is too dry, try marinating it in some buttermilk or yogurt before breading and frying.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, try using regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers as a substitute. If you don’t have honey, try using maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
• 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 check for doneness, cut into one of the chicken bites – if it’s cooked through, it should be white and juicy all the way through.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the fried honey BBQ chicken bites on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Simply bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes to reheat.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

These fried honey BBQ chicken bites are a game-changer for any meal or gathering. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your family and friends. With their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, they’re the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet twist. So go ahead, give them a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your loved ones. And don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to make the recipe your own – after all, that’s what cooking is all about!