Kid'S Barbecue Chicken

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Kids will love this crispy, flavorful fried chicken with a tangy barbecue twist. The sweet and savory ketchup and Coke sauce adds a fun, kid-friendly flavor profile perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to make and sure to be a hit with young and old alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 small bottle ketchup
  • 1 (12 oz.) can Coke

Instructions

  1. Place a mixture of half cornmeal and half flour with salt and pepper in a paper bag.
  2. Dip chicken pieces in milk, then drop them into the paper bag; shake to coat.
  3. Pan-fry the coated chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cornmeal and flour mixture. If you don't have milk, buttermilk or a dairy-free alternative works well for dipping the chicken. You can also substitute the Coke with root beer for a unique sweetness. For a healthier twist, try using the coating method from Healthy Oven-Fry Chicken (Tenders Or Breast) for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Kid's Barbecue Chicken with a side of corn on the cob and coleslaw for a classic summertime meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like baked beans or potato salad. For a fun twist, serve it with a dipping sauce made from the leftover ketchup mixed with a bit of the Coke.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Kid's Barbecue Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kid'S Barbecue Chicken contains roughly 27 calories, with 3g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

27 kcal 1% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 3.9g 1% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 2.8g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 268.2mg 12% DV
Potassium 89.1mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 7.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.6mcg
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 3.5mg
Iron 0.1mg 1% DV
Diet fit High-protein Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway for even cooking.

What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

You can use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Bone-in pieces tend to remain juicier during cooking, while boneless cuts cook faster. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type you choose.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make Kid's Barbecue Chicken gluten-free, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free cornmeal. Make sure all other ingredients, like the ketchup and Coke, are also gluten-free.

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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