BBQ Chicken Bites are a quick and easy meaty main dish that come together in about 15 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients.
All you need is chicken, your favorite barbecue sauce, and a few spices to create a flavorful dish the whole family will devour!
This Is a 15-Minute Main Dish Kinda Deal
We absolutely love quick and easy dinners — I mean, who doesn’t, right?!
Pair these barbecue chicken bites with my Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes and a healthy veggie side like Honey Glazed Baby Carrots or Fresh Green Beans, and you’ve got a complete, flavorful meal on the table in about 30 minutes!
What I love most about this meal is that it’s flexible. You can use your favorite barbecue sauce — spicy, smoky, or sweet — and swap in whatever side veggies you have on hand.
It’s also perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights because you can make the chicken bites ahead of time and reheat them quickly when dinner time rolls around. Simple, tasty, and totally family-friendly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick and easy: Even with a couple of sides, you can have this chicken dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Buy chicken in bulk and use an affordable brand of barbecue sauce, and this dish will cost just a few dollars.
- Family favorite: These tender chicken bites are sure to satisfy both adults and kids, making them a go-to dinner for busy weeknights.
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Ingredient Photo
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken: We like boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but boneless skinless chicken thighs work great too. Thighs are juicier and often more affordable — a win-win!
- Barbecue Sauce: This is your chance to customize the dish. Use your favorite brand or a store brand to keep it budget-friendly. Got some homemade barbecue sauce in the fridge? Go ahead and use it!
- Seasoning: I like to season the chicken with a little garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Feel free to use your favorite spice combination. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh or dried parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
- Oil: I use olive oil, but canola or vegetable oil works just as well. Basically, any oil you have on hand will do.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Bites
Here’s a quick look at the steps (with photos). You’ll find the full list of ingredients and more detailed instructions in the recipe card below.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch, and season with your favorite spices.
Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through.
Pour in the barbecue sauce and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is fully coated and heated through.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover BBQ chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet over medium-low heat on the stove until warmed through. If the chicken seems a little dry, stir in a bit more barbecue sauce to add moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
While some people might argue that store-bought barbecue sauce isn’t the healthiest option, we live by the mantra of “everything in moderation.” Enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, these BBQ chicken bites can absolutely fit into a healthy meal plan.
Yes! You can cook the chicken bites ahead of time and either add the barbecue sauce when you reheat them, or mix in the sauce while cooking and then warm everything up in the microwave or on the stove. Either way, they’re ready to enjoy in a flash!
Yes! Bake the seasoned chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, until cooked through. You can either toss them with warmed up barbecue sauce right after baking, or add the sauce and pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to warm it through and let the flavors meld.
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BBQ Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ cup barbecue sauce or to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch, and season with garlic and onion powder, salt and black pepper.1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through.2 teaspoons olive oil
- Pour in the barbecue sauce and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce is heated through.½ cup barbecue sauce
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.