Barbecue Chicken Bites

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy barbecue chicken bites with a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy flavorful, tender poultry dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 3 to 3 1/2 lb. chicken
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 tsp. Puritan oil
  • 2 tsp. vinegar
  • 2 tsp. brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup light catsup
  • 3 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. prepared mustard
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into serving pieces and brown in a saucepan.
  2. Brown onion in oil.
  3. Add remaining ingredients to the saucepan.
  4. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  6. Bake at 400°F for 1 hour.
  7. If you want to cook the chicken longer, cover with foil until desired tenderness.
  8. Baste often during baking.
  9. This sauce is also good with other meats.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavor. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Experiment with different types of vinegar such as apple cider or balsamic for a unique twist. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these barbecue chicken bites alongside coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They also pair excellently with baked beans or cornbread. For a fun twist, use the chicken bites as a filling for tacos or sliders. Browse more American recipes for additional crowd-pleasing options.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until hot. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Chicken Bites contains roughly 766 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 77g fat.

766 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.4g 7% DV
Total Fat 77.4g 99% DV
Carbs 16.1g 6% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 9.2g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 450.2mg 20% DV
Potassium 245.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 7.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 2.7mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 40.1mg 3% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Low-carb

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This sauce works wonderfully with pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as different meats require varying cooking lengths to reach the appropriate tenderness.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. You can also use spicy barbecue sauce instead of the light catsup to amp up the flavor profile.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these barbecue chicken bites are perfect for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and portion them into containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Just reheat as needed for a quick, delicious meal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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