Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to handle. The smaller pieces will absorb more flavor from the seasoning and sauce, making them even more delicious.
In a mixing bowl, season the cut chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure to mix thoroughly so that each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning. This step is crucial for enhancing the overall taste.
Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the seasoned chicken. You want to ensure the oil is hot enough to create a nice sear, which adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the bottom to brown nicely. After that, stir the chicken occasionally, continuing to cook until the pieces are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165˚F, which should take another 3 to 5 minutes.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking. This is an important step because overcooked chicken can become dry.
Next, it’s time to prepare the honey BBQ sauce! In a bowl, whisk together the bbq sauce and honey until smooth. This will create a luscious sauce that’s perfect for coating the chicken.
Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well, making sure that every piece is evenly coated with the delicious sauce. This step is vital for flavor, as the sauce is what makes these bites truly irresistible.
After mixing, you can return the skillet to low heat for a minute if you want everything to warm through again. This step is optional but helps meld the flavors together.
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and serve your Honey BBQ Chicken Bites while they’re hot! These bites are perfect as a main dish or as a tasty appetizer for gatherings.