There’s something incredibly comforting about coming home to a crock pot meal that’s been quietly working its magic all afternoon. These chicken bites aren’t just tender—they’re soaked in a rich, smoky sauce that clings to every morsel, making each bite a little celebration. I remember one evening when I tossed the chicken in and promptly got distracted by a phone call that ran longer than it should have. By the time I got back to the kitchen, the aroma was so inviting I had to resist diving in before dinner was even ready. It’s that kind of dish: forgiving, soothing, and a bit addictive.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Hands-off cooking means you can set it and forget it, even if you get sidetracked like I did.
- The balance of sweet honey and tangy barbecue sauce creates a sauce that’s finger-licking good, though it’s not for those wanting something super light.
- Perfectly portioned for four, making it manageable without too many leftovers—though you might wish there were more.
- Its simplicity is its charm—you’re not juggling a dozen steps, which is nice after a long day.
It’s really okay if you don’t get the timing exactly right. Sometimes I let it cook a little longer, and it only makes the chicken more tender, even if the sauce thickens up a bit more than planned.
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Crock Pot Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Tender and flavorful chicken bites slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, perfect as an appetizer or a main dish.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Place the chicken breast pieces into the crock pot.
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken pieces in the crock pot, stirring gently to coat all the chicken evenly.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low heat for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, stir the chicken bites to coat them evenly with the sauce before serving.
Serve warm as an appetizer or with your favorite side dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need any fancy equipment beyond your trusty crock pot, which should feel reassuring after a day full of complicated tasks. These bites are great on their own or served with a crisp green salad or some simple roasted veggies. If you want to mix it up, I’ve tried swapping out the barbecue sauce for a spicy buffalo sauce, which adds a nice kick, though it’s less sweet. Sometimes I stir in a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist, but that wasn’t everyone’s favorite. Also, tossing in some chopped onions or bell peppers before cooking adds a little extra texture, though I usually skip that when I’m in a rush. Honestly, it’s pretty forgiving, so feel free to experiment a bit.
FAQ:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, thighs work well and tend to be juicier, though the cooking time might be a little different. I haven’t timed it precisely, but it usually turns out great.
Is it okay to double the recipe? You can, but make sure your crock pot isn’t too full—crowding can affect cooking time and texture. I’ve done it once, and it took a bit longer to get tender.
How should leftovers be stored? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I usually reheat gently on the stovetop to keep the sauce from drying out.
Ready to make mealtime easier and tastier? Go ahead and give this crock pot chicken bites recipe a try—you might just find your next favorite weeknight dinner.