Crispy BBQ Chicken Bites with Smoky Cheddar Dip
Yields: Approximately 4 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bites:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup panko bread crumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
For the Smoky Cheddar Dip:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get started:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg.
3. In another shallow bowl, place the panko bread crumbs.
Prepare the chicken:
4. Dredge each chicken cube in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
5. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook the chicken:
7. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small pinch of bread crumbs sizzles immediately.
8. Carefully place the chicken bites in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Avoid overfilling the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken.
9. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
10. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
11. Once all the chicken is cooked, toss it in the BBQ sauce, ensuring each bite is evenly coated.
Make the dip:
12. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dip. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
13. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy.
Serve:
14. Serve the crispy BBQ chicken bites immediately with the smoky cheddar dip for dipping. Enjoy!