Ever find yourself staring down a weeknight with a growling stomach and not much time to concoct something divine? That’s when these juicy oven-baked chicken bites swoop in like culinary superheroes—quick, tantalizing, and oh-so-satisfying. Picture it: tender chicken pieces kissed by a zesty marinade, all coming out of the oven golden and glorious, ready to rescue your dinner routine.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 420°F (220°C). Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- Mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken stock, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
- Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish and coat them with the seasoning mix. Add olive oil and toss to ensure the chicken is evenly covered. Distribute diced butter over the chicken.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Stir halfway through the baking time. For a crispier finish, broil on high for the last 2 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a choice of cauliflower rice or another side, drizzled with the pan juices. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- baked chicken bites recipe:
- 1 pound (450g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon instant chicken stock (optional, adjust salt if using)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
FAQ
- How can I make sure my chicken bites cook evenly?
- To ensure even cooking, chop the chicken breasts into uniformly sized pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate in the oven.
- What can I serve with oven-baked chicken bites?
- These chicken bites pair nicely with cauliflower rice, regular rice, zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- How should I store leftover chicken bites?
- Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them gently in the microwave, oven, or on the stove, adding a little water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Can I freeze the cooked chicken bites?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked chicken bites for up to two months. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container.
- How can I enhance the crispiness of the chicken bites?
- For extra crispiness, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the spice mix before coating the chicken.
Tips
- Ensure the chicken breast pieces are uniformly diced to promote even cooking throughout.
- For easier slicing and less mess, consider freezing the chicken for about 45 minutes before cutting it into pieces.
- Feel free to personalize the seasoning mix to suit your tastes; options like honey and mustard or taco seasoning can add a unique twist.
- For a crispier texture, incorporate a tablespoon of cornstarch into the spice mix before coating the chicken.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Meat thermometer
