Baked Chicken Bites are the easiest dinner win! Season, bake, and enjoy tender, tasty chicken in no timeโ12 minutes to perfection!
Baked Chicken Bites are the BEST!
Iโm so excited to share this recipe! My kids, who love chicken, say itโs 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 itโs very satisfying.
- Minimal Ingredients: Needs just a few pantry basics.
- Flavorful: The spices make it taste amazing!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tip or Swap |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs | Thighs stay juicy and flavorful. Chicken breast can dry out quickly in bite-sized pieces try my baked chicken breast recipe. |
| Olive oil | Helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning in the oven. Avocado oil works. |
| Paprika, garlic powder & onion powder | These pantry spices build the savory base flavor and add great color. |
| Brown sugar | Just a small amount balances the spices and helps the chicken caramelize. |
| Cornstarch | The secret ingredient that helps create a lightly crisp exterior. |
Variations
Change Things Up!
- BBQ Chicken Bites: Brushย 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
- Riceย orย Quinoa:ย A great filling base for the chicken.
- Veggies:ย Tryย roasted broccoli,ย carrots, orย asparagus.
- Salad:ย A lightย Italian saladย adds freshness.
- Wraps/Pitas:ย Fill with chicken bites and drizzle onย tzatziki sauceย for a quick meal.
- Slaw:ย This creamyย coleslawย or my favoriteย apple slaw recipeย makes a great side or topping!
Storage
- Store baked chicken bites 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:
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.
Video
Equipment
- Sheet pan (15" x 10")
- Aluminum foil or parchment, see note 1
- Skewers wooden or metal, see note 2
Ingredients
Instructionsย
- 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 160ยฐF and has a golden exterior.
- Remove from oven, taste, and add a tiny pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately. See serving suggestions below!
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.
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. Itโs 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 Mangoย or Pineapple Salsa. Or drizzle on a sauce of your choice: BBQ,ย Cilantro Lime,ย Tzatziki,ย 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 3โ4 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.
As Chelseaโs brother in law, I can say these chicken bites are incredible! I love having them as a high protein dinner or even snack!