Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites

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Sticky, tender, and packed with bold flavor, these Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites are everything you want in a comfort food appetizer. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these bites are tossed in a smoky-sweet barbecue glaze that clings to every crevice, creating a finger-licking experience that rivals your favorite wing spot. Whether you’re throwing together a game day spread or just need a quick dinner idea, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple.

These chicken bites come together quickly using pantry staples and can easily be doubled for a crowd. The homemade BBQ sauce is the real star here, balanced with tang, sweetness, and just enough heat. Serve them with crisp celery sticks, ranch, or a creamy slaw to round out the meal. Once you taste them, they’ll be making regular appearances on your weekly menu.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the juiciest bites, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal. They stay moist during frying and offer a richer flavor compared to chicken breast. However, if you prefer leaner bites, boneless chicken breasts work just fine too—just be mindful not to overcook them.

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Ingredients for the Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts
This is the foundation of your bites. Choose thighs for juicy texture or breasts for a leaner option.

Cornstarch and All-Purpose Flour
The combo creates a light, crispy coating that fries up golden and crunchy.

Buttermilk
Tenderizes the chicken while helping the coating stick evenly.

Egg
Acts as a binder to ensure the breading adheres to each piece.

Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper
These seasonings layer flavor directly into the breading.

Oil for Frying
Use vegetable or canola oil for a clean, neutral taste.

BBQ Sauce (Homemade or Store-Bought)
Toss the fried bites in this to create that classic sticky finish.

Brown Sugar and Hot Sauce (if making your own BBQ glaze)
These give your sauce that bold sweet-and-spicy balance.

Fresh Chives or Parsley (optional)
For a fresh pop of color and herby contrast to the rich glaze.

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How To Make the Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites

Step 1: Cut and Marinate the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and an egg. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

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Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour mix is key to a crispy, flavorful crust. Dredge each marinated chicken piece into the flour mixture until evenly coated.

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Step 3: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan (like a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven) to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

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Step 4: Toss in BBQ Sauce

If making your own glaze, heat BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and a dash of hot sauce in a small saucepan until warm and sticky. Place the fried chicken bites in a large bowl, pour the sauce over, and toss gently until each bite is fully coated.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the sauced chicken bites to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a pop of freshness and color. Serve hot with a side of celery sticks and your favorite dip.

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Best Ways to Serve and Store BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites

These BBQ chicken bites are best served immediately after tossing in the warm sauce. The crispy coating soaks up just the right amount of barbecue glaze while keeping a slightly crunchy texture. Serve them with celery sticks, a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, or even over a bed of rice or salad greens for a quick meal.

Got leftovers? Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness—microwaving will soften the coating. If you’re meal prepping, keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to serve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken bites at 425°F on a greased baking sheet. Spray the coated pieces with cooking oil and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

Is there a way to make them gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

A smoky or honey BBQ sauce works great. You can go store-bought or make your own—whatever suits your taste. You can even try spicy or bourbon-style BBQ for a twist.

Can I use frozen chicken?

You can, but it must be fully thawed and patted dry before marinating to ensure the coating sticks properly.

How do I keep them crispy after saucing?

Serve immediately after tossing in sauce. For best texture, don’t over-sauce and avoid covering tightly—steam can soften the crust.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes! You can freeze the fried (unsauced) bites. Cool them, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat in an oven or air fryer, then toss in warm sauce before serving.

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Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of these Savory BBQ Boneless Chicken Bites, here are more crave-worthy chicken recipes you’ll want to bookmark next:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty, creamy dinner twist.
• Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites if you love comfort food combinations.
• One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta for a bold, spicy pasta fix.
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta that perfectly balances sweet and savory.
• One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta for another irresistible BBQ twist.

Each of these dishes brings a unique flavor profile while keeping prep easy and family-approved.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you always have it handy when a craving strikes.

And I’d love to know—did you make these spicy or sweet? Did you go with store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce?

Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments! Your tweaks might inspire someone else. 💬

For even more easy recipes and daily kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest: Life with Nina.

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