Chicken Bites

There’s nothing quite like a plate of Chicken Bites to brighten up an ordinary weeknight dinner. I remember the first time I made these; the aroma filled my kitchen and had everyone rushing to the table with excitement. It was one of those evenings when I wanted something quick yet satisfying, and these flavorful bites turned out to be a hit! Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also deliver on taste, making them a perfect addition to any meal.

As a busy home cook, I often look for recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen. When I stumbled upon this Chicken Bites recipe, I was thrilled. The combination of spices creates a lovely crust, while the juicy chicken remains tender and flavorful. It’s a dish that works for dinner parties and casual weeknight meals alike. Plus, they’re a fantastic finger food option if you’re entertaining guests. Watching everyone enjoy these little bites of deliciousness is a true joy!

So, whether you’re looking to prepare a quick family dinner or make something special for guests, these Chicken Bites are sure to please. They’re simply irresistible, and I can’t wait for you to try them.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Bites

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making the best Chicken Bites. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring the dish is as flavorful and delicious as possible. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that complements the spices.
• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika: Provides a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the chicken.
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder: Brings depth and aromatic flavor to the mix.
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder: Contributes savory goodness.
• ½ teaspoon of kosher salt: Essential for enhancing flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper: Adds a subtle heat.
• 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of this dish, tender and juicy.
• ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil: For cooking the chicken and adding richness.
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter: Adds flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
• Parsley for serving (optional): A fresh garnish that brightens up the dish.

Step by Step Guide for Chicken Bites

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process for Chicken Bites. Follow these simple steps to create a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress!

1. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a spice blend that will coat the chicken. This step is essential for infusing flavor, so take your time to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
2. Next, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, removing any fat or gristle. This size is perfect as it allows for quicker cooking and more surface area for the spices to cling to. Feel free to adjust the size if you prefer larger pieces, but remember to check cooking times.
3. Add the diced chicken to the mixing bowl with your spice blend and toss everything together. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the delicious rub. The goal here is to ensure each piece has a generous amount of seasoning, so don’t be shy about mixing!
4. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, which should take about one minute. This is the perfect temperature to get a nice sear on the chicken. Keep an eye on the oil to prevent it from smoking.
5. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium and add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about three minutes, allowing the bottom to turn golden brown. This step is crucial for developing a nice crust.
6. After three minutes, flip the pieces of chicken and continue cooking for an additional two minutes or until they are nearly cooked through. The chicken should be golden on both sides, and the aroma will be mouthwatering!
7. Now it’s time to add butter to the pan. Stir it in and cook, stirring frequently for one to three minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly coated in melted butter. This not only adds richness but also helps to achieve that perfect golden color.
8. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165˚F. This is the safe cooking temperature for poultry, and it guarantees your Chicken Bites will be juicy and safe to eat.
9. If desired, top your finished dish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. It makes for a beautiful presentation!

Recipe Variations about Chicken Bites

When it comes to Chicken Bites, the possibilities are endless! Here are some tips to customize your dish:

• Spice It Up: Feel free to add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or adjust the paprika for different flavor profiles.
• Different Proteins: You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option — just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Serving Styles: Serve the bites with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or spicy aioli to enhance the flavor experience.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can easily be reheated in a skillet.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen.
• Meal Prep: These bites make for excellent meal prep. Prepare a large batch and portion them out for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Make it a Meal: Pair these bites with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Enjoy Chicken Bites

Enjoy your Chicken Bites in numerous delightful ways! Here’s how to serve them up:

• As an Appetizer: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces at parties or gatherings.
• In Salads: Toss them on top of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette for a filling salad.
• With Dips: Pair with ranch or a spicy sauce for a fun, interactive meal.
• For Game Day: Perfect for game day snacking; serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
• As a Main Course: Combine with rice or quinoa and steamed veggies for a wholesome meal.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making them a convenient option for meal prep.
• Seasonal Pairings: Serve with seasonal veggies like asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts for a fresh side dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Chicken Bites are not just a meal; they’re an experience filled with flavors and textures that everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, they bring comfort and satisfaction to the table. I encourage you to try making them and see how quickly they become a family favorite!

Chicken Bites

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Bites are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or parties. With a delicious blend of spices, these bites will satisfy your cravings. Try them tonight and discover your new favorite recipe!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• to taste parsley (optional)

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Method

 

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a spice blend that will coat the chicken. This step is essential for infusing flavor, so take your time to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
2. 2. Next, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, removing any fat or gristle. This size is perfect as it allows for quicker cooking and more surface area for the spices to cling to. Feel free to adjust the size if you prefer larger pieces, but remember to check cooking times.
3. 3. Add the diced chicken to the mixing bowl with your spice blend and toss everything together. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the delicious rub. The goal here is to ensure each piece has a generous amount of seasoning, so don't be shy about mixing!
4. 4. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, which should take about one minute. This is the perfect temperature to get a nice sear on the chicken. Keep an eye on the oil to prevent it from smoking.
5. 5. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium and add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about three minutes, allowing the bottom to turn golden brown. This step is crucial for developing a nice crust.
6. 6. After three minutes, flip the pieces of chicken and continue cooking for an additional two minutes or until they are nearly cooked through. The chicken should be golden on both sides, and the aroma will be mouthwatering!
7. 7. Now it’s time to add butter to the pan. Stir it in and cook, stirring frequently for one to three minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly coated in melted butter. This not only adds richness but also helps to achieve that perfect golden color.
8. 8. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165˚F. This is the safe cooking temperature for poultry, and it guarantees your Chicken Bites will be juicy and safe to eat.
9. 9. If desired, top your finished dish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. It makes for a beautiful presentation!

Notes

• Tip on Size of Chicken Bites: By cutting the chicken into 1-inch pieces, they have more surface area for the delicious rub to impart flavor and cook faster.
• For Chicken Thighs: Remove any fat or gristle before cubing into 1-inch pieces and cook for 1-2 minutes longer.
• Smoked Paprika: Feel free to replace with regular paprika for a different flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Use your favorite non-dairy butter to finish the chicken bites.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a hot skillet with a bit of oil.

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Meet Chloe Bennett

I started this blog to document the rustic, comforting food I love to make. I’m the “Pine” of the group I’m all about hearty stews, wood-fired cooking, and cozy, one-pot meals. I brought my best friends on board to make this a shared journal of our adventures. I work closely with Maya to develop our main courses and do most of the writing for our posts.