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Sticky BBQ Chicken Bites with Caramelized Edges

A pile of glistening Sticky BBQ Chicken Bites with deep, caramelized edges served on a white plate.
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Prepare tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a thick, sweet, and smoky BBQ sauce, finished under high heat to create deeply caramelized, sticky edges.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup quality store-bought BBQ sauce (or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  3. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
  5. While the chicken bakes, prepare the sticky glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
  6. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens significantly and coats the back of a spoon. This reduction creates the stickiness.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven. In a large bowl, toss the hot chicken pieces thoroughly with about two-thirds of the thickened BBQ glaze until every piece is coated.
  8. Return the glazed chicken pieces to the baking sheet, keeping them in a single layer.
  9. Set your oven to the broiler setting (high). Place the baking sheet on the top rack, about 6 inches from the heating element.
  10. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, watching constantly, until the edges of the chicken start to bubble and form dark, caramelized spots. Do not let the sauce burn.
  11. Remove from the oven. Toss the caramelized bites with the remaining glaze for extra shine and stickiness. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs; they stay juicier than breast meat during the high-heat caramelization process.
  • For reheating, place the bites on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, or use an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes to restore the crust.
  • Serve these bites with celery sticks, blue cheese dressing, or over a bed of white rice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hungryhearld.com/sticky-bbq-chicken-bites-caramelized-edges/