Craving a deliciously sticky and savory treat that will make your taste buds dance? Look no further than these mouthwatering Honey BBQ Chicken Nuggets! Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these nuggets are not just any ordinary chicken bites—they're a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for more. Whether you're hosting a game night or simply looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. Get ready to impress with a dish that's as fun to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting the chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly equal in size for consistent cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an even seasoning blend for coating the chicken.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breadcrumb coating adhere better.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete and even coating on all sides.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even heat circulation.
- Bake the chicken nuggets for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure golden brown color on all sides.
- While nuggets are baking, prepare the honey BBQ glaze by whisking together honey and BBQ sauce in a small bowl until well combined.
- Once nuggets are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove from oven.
- Immediately brush the hot nuggets generously with the prepared honey BBQ glaze, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Let the glazed nuggets rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to slightly caramelize and set.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional chopped parsley or green onions, and provide extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Uniformity is Key: When cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, aim for uniform sizes. This ensures that all nuggets cook evenly, giving you that perfect golden-brown finish.
- Dry Before Dredging: Patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before coating them helps the breadcrumbs stick better, resulting in a crispier texture once baked.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Mixing garlic powder, salt, and pepper into your breadcrumbs adds a burst of flavor that elevates your nuggets from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Bake for Crispiness: Preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C) is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior. Make sure to arrange the nuggets on the baking sheet with space between them to allow for proper heat circulation.
- Glaze While Hot: For the best flavor, brush the honey BBQ glaze on the nuggets immediately after they come out of the oven. This allows the sauce to soak into the crispy coating, enhancing every bite.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey BBQ glaze.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer extra BBQ sauce or even ranch dressing on the side for dipping. It adds an interactive element to your meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
