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Sticky BBQ Chicken Bites with Caramelized Edges

Close-up of several Sticky BBQ Chicken Bites with caramelized edges piled on a white plate.
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Make bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a thick, sweet BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the edges when cooked at high heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup thick, sweet BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Arrange the seasoned chicken 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 glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce simmers lightly. Cook for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven. Brush half of the prepared BBQ glaze over all sides of the chicken pieces.
  7. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
  8. Switch your oven setting to broil (high). Brush the remaining glaze over the chicken. Watch carefully and broil for 1 to 3 minutes, rotating the pan if needed, until the edges of the chicken become dark and caramelized. Do not let the sauce burn completely.
  9. Remove from the oven and serve immediately as an appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • For extra caramelization, ensure your BBQ sauce is thick before applying the final coat. If your sauce is too thin, simmer it longer before use.
  • Use chicken thighs for the best moisture retention, which helps prevent the edges from drying out during the high-heat finish.
  • If you prefer grilling, cook the chicken over medium-high heat, basting frequently with the glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

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