Baked Chicken Bites are the absolute BEST, delivering an easy, protein-packed meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family! Simply cube the chicken, season, and bake for just 12 minutes to get tender, flavorful results every time.
Alternatively, try my original baked chicken breast recipe, which uses whole chicken breasts.
Baked Chicken Bites are the BEST!
I’m so excited to share this recipe! My kids, who love chicken, say it’s the best chicken ever. Plus, anything on skewers makes eating dinner more fun!
This recipe is quick to prepare, and the results are amazing: tender chicken pieces with tasty, charred outsides and just the right seasoning.
Make a double batch to enjoy for dinner and save leftovers for recipes that call for pre-cooked chicken or for your weekly meal prep.
Why I Love This Recipe:
- Quick Preparation: Only 12 minutes total bake time, great for busy nights!
- Easy to Make: These baked chicken bites are something I can mindlessly prep while listening to a podcast.
- Protein-Packed: Chicken is full of protein, so it’s very satisfying.
- Minimal Ingredients: Needs just a few pantry basics.
- Flavorful: The spices make it taste amazing!
Ingredients
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. Cut them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Avoid chicken breasts as they can become dry and tough.
- Olive oil: Ensures even cooking and adds a rich flavor to the baked chicken bites.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper deliver a delicious flavor. Adjust the amounts to your liking.
- Light brown sugar: Adds slight sweetness and helps get a beautiful caramelization on the chicken. More color = more flavor!
- Cornstarch: Creates a crispy outer layer on the chicken.
Variations
Change Things Up!
- BBQ Chicken Bites: Brush BBQ Sauce on finished chicken bites
- Mexican Chicken Bites: Use taco seasoning and top with guacamole and sour cream.
- Spicy Chicken Bites: Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites: Drizzle buffalo sauce on finished chicken bites and serve some ranch on the side for dipping.
- Greek Style: Season with oregano and drizzle on lemon juice right out of the oven. Serve with some pita and hummus.
How To Make Baked Chicken Bites
- Prepare Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces.
- Season: Toss chicken with spices, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
- Add Oil: Mix in olive oil to coat the chicken evenly.
- Bake: Thread on skewers and place on a baking sheet. Broil for 12 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then enjoy these oven baked chicken bites!
What To Serve With Baked Chicken Bites
- Rice or Quinoa: A great filling base for the chicken.
- Veggies: Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
- Salad: A light Italian salad adds freshness.
- Wraps/Pitas: Fill with chicken bites and drizzle on tzatziki sauce for a quick meal.
- Slaw: This creamy coleslaw or my favorite apple slaw recipe makes a great side or topping!
Oven Baked Chicken Bites Tips
- Make Cutting Easier: If you want, freeze the chicken for 30-40 minutes before cutting to make it easier.
- Cut Evenly: Make all pieces the same size so they cook at the same rate.
- Coat Well: Thoroughly coat each chicken piece with seasonings and oil.
- Season Your Way: Choose your favorite seasonings, like taco seasoning or blackening seasoning.
- Don’t Overcook: To keep the chicken tender, cook just until done. A meat thermometer can help you know when it’s ready.
Storage
Storing Baked Chicken Bites:
- Store in the fridge for up 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- For longer storage, freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. Thaw first in the fridge if frozen.
More Easy Chicken Recipes:
- Curry Chicken and Rice made in one pot!
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken tastes like it’s straight from a restaurant.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders using rotisserie chicken
- Crack Chicken Chili made in the slow cooker
- Chicken Penne Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms
Baked Chicken Bites
Baked Chicken Bites are a quick, protein-packed meal the whole family will love! Just cube, season, and bake for 12 minutes for tender, flavorful bites.
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment, see note 1
- Skewers wooden or metal, see note 2
Ingredients
Instructions
- Position an oven rack 6 inches from the heat element. Preheat broiler to high and let it fully heat up. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil (see note 1).
- Trim excess fat off chicken and cut into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine chicken with seasonings, sugar, and cornstarch. Toss with tongs for even coating.
- Drizzle oil over chicken. Toss again to coat evenly.
- Thread chicken onto the skewers.
- Place skewers, spaced apart, on prepared pan. Broil for 12 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and has a golden exterior.
- Remove from oven, taste, and add a tiny pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately. See serving suggestions below!
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Ensure parchment paper can handle the heat of broiling; if not, use foil.
Note 2: Metal skewers require less prep, but if you only have wooden, soak them first to prevent burning.
Note 3: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for optimal flavor and tenderness, cutting them into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. It’s best to avoid chicken breasts, as they tend to dry out and become tough.
Serving Suggestions: This chicken pairs well with rice and either roasted veggies or a fresh salsa, such as Mango or Pineapple Salsa. Or drizzle on a sauce of your choice: BBQ, Cilantro Lime, Tzatziki, Peanut Sauce, or a spicy mayo (check out this Asian Chicken Tacos recipe for my favorite way to make it).
Storage: You can store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. Thaw first in the fridge if frozen.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.8g | Protein: 37.6g | Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 175.1mg | Sodium: 2507.8mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 3.3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
