Description
Cowboy Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce, seasoned with spices, and baked until juicy and caramelized—perfect for parties, game day, or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks (for securing the bites)
- Optional garnish: Chopped parsley
- Optional for serving: Ranch or chipotle dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Season chicken cubes with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Secure each chicken cube with a toothpick and arrange on baking sheet.
- Brush chicken with a generous layer of BBQ sauce and sprinkle brown sugar on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with more BBQ sauce for extra glaze.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with dipping sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Add a jalapeño slice or pepper jack cube under the toothpick for a spicy twist.
- Try honey mustard or buffalo sauce for flavor variety.
- Mix maple syrup with BBQ sauce for sweet-smoky flavor.
- Grill instead of baking for added char and smokiness.
- Best reheated in oven or air fryer to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
