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Chicken Bites are the flavor-packed, weeknight dinner recipe you will turn to again and again. Made with pantry staples and a pack of chicken, these juicy, caramelized bites are sweet, savory, and ready in just 15 minutes.
Looking for more flavorful meals ready in 15 minutes or less? Don't miss my recipes for Salmon Bites, Blackened Chicken, and Shrimp Tacos.
Kristen's Keys for Chicken Bites (Start Here)
Here are the make-it-or-break-it tips that separate juicy, caramelized chicken from "meh, it's fine" chicken.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Smaller, even bites mean more surface area for the spice rub, faster cooking, and better caramelization. Bigger cubes won't cook as fast OR get that crave-worthy exterior.
- Trust me on the brown sugar. Pairing savory seasonings with a bit of brown sugar creates the most irresistible dry rub AND helps the chicken bites to caramelize.
- Start with a hot skillet and don't overcrowd it. Let the oil heat for a full 30-60 seconds before adding the chicken bites to the pan. This will help the chicken immediately form a crispy, caramelized crust and quickly cook and brown, rather than steam.
5-Star Reader Review
Easiest, tastiest recipe for chicken breast. I served with rice and a nice Italian white wine. Delicious! Thank you for this yummy supper😋 -Karen
How to Make Chicken Bites
This chicken bites recipe is as easy as cube, season, cook. And the fast cooking time gets this delicious meal on the table fast! Let me walk you through the process with a few tips along the way.
Step One: Prepare the Chicken
Start by combining the brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Once the chicken is cubed, add it right to this bowl and toss to season. Having the spice rub ready before touching the raw chicken helps to cut down on the risk of cross contamination, or the number of time you have to wash your hands.
For the chicken, dice chicken breasts (or thighs) into 1-inch cubes. Be sure to remove and discard and fat or grizzle as you dice. Then add to the dry rub and toss to evenly coat.
Step Two: Pan-Sear Chicken Bites
Add a bit of oil to a large skillet (non-stick, cast iron, or stainless steel all work here) and let heat for 30-60 seconds or until it slightly glistens. Once heated, add the chicken in a single layer. Remember it is best to NOT overcrowd the pan here, so work in batches if needed. Let the chicken cook, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes, until golden. Flip and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
Using chicken thighs? They will need a minute or two longer to cook through.
Step Three: Finish with Butter
Adding butter (or non-dairy) butter is optional, but strongly encouraged. It adds a glossy, rich finish and helps to keep the chicken bites moist. Simply add it to the skillet and let melt, tossing to coat. Continue to cook for 1 minute, tossing often, until the chicken is fully cooked through and caramelized.
Serving Suggestions
I always double this recipe for chicken bites. They keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be added straight from the fridge to a salad or wrap for a quick and flavorful lunch. Below are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy them.
- As an Appetizer: Chicken Bites make an irresistibly good appetizer, especially when paired with a dip like my sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce, copycat bang bang sauce, or creamy homemade ranch dressing.
- As an Entree: Serve the with a side of rice, roasted red potatoes, and/or green beans almondine for a flavorful family dinner.
- Add to Pasta: Serve on top of my one-pot fettuccine made with cream cheese or easy Instant Pot fettuccine alfredo for a nice boost of protein (and flavor).
- Add to a Salad: Toss mixed greens with your favorite fresh veggies then top with a handful of these chicken bites and slather with creamy buttermilk ranch dressing. So good! I love swapping out grilled BBQ chicken breasts for chicken bites on my BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. Or get really creative and add to a my Mexican street corn salad--creamy, hearty, and delicious!
- Add to a Wrap: Grab your favorite tortilla, smear with ranch, top with shredded lettuce, chicken bites, and shredded cheese--and WOW! What a tasty lunch!
More Fast-Cooking Chicken Recipes
Chicken Bites
Video
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
- parsley, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside for chicken.
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, removing any fat or grizzle as needed.
- Add the diced chicken to the mixing bowl with the spice blend andtoss to coat the chicken evenly with the spice rub.
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, until shimmering (~1 minute). Reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let cook, undisturbed, until the bottom is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip and continue to cook for 2 minutes longer, or until nearly cooked through.
- Add the butter to the pan and cook, stirring often, for 1-3 minutes, until the chicken is coated with melted butter and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F. Top with parsley if desired.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
About ready to make these for the 3rd time in 2 weeks. Flavored perfectly, on salads or in wraps. Hot or cold, these are amazing!
Thank you for another great recipe
Thrilled to hear you are enjoying these chicken bites so much! I also appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.
Simply delicious. I had this over broccoli and I was satisfied. Thank you
You are very welcome, Madison! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
I am looking for your IP recipe for Chicken Paprikash, can't find it any were. Your site is very confusing now.
Hi Louis. I am sorry you find my site confusing--can you tell me how I can make it easier for you to navigate? My recipe index has all of my categories listed and my homepage has a direct link to Instant Pot recipes right at the top. You can find all of my Instant Pot recipes can be found here. That said, I don't have one for Chicken Paprikash. Could you be thinking of another site?
So good and they were being served in 15 minutes! I cut up chicken tenderloins into bite size pieces, mixed with the spices, but I decided to bake the bites instead of standing in front of a hot stove. I did not add the butter. 425* for 12 minutes - served with potato and green beans, dinner was amazing! Pinned to make again!
Thanks for sharing your modifications for baking! Great idea in the summer heat. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review as well, Kels! Have a wonderful day.
Easiest, tastiest recipe for chicken breast. I served with rice and a nice Italian white wine. Delicious! Thank you for this yummy supper😋
YOu are so welcome, Karen! Sounds like a great meal and I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.
Your thoughts/ideas on using this recipe on skin on bone in thighs baked in air fryer or oven?
Hi CJ. I would use my recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Wings as a starting point---as they are bone-in and skin-on. The cooking time will change (as chicken thighs are larger). I would recommend air frying at 400℉/205℃ for 12 minutes per side.