If you're in the market for an easy, breezy way to make chicken, look no further than flavor-packed baked chicken bites! Scrumptious oven-baked chicken bites are perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, so much so they're trending on TikTok.
Is Baked Chicken Healthier?
When it comes to healthier options, baked chicken reigns supreme! You'll score lower fat and calories compared to traditional fried nuggets, making them a guilt-free snack or side dish. They've got other green flags too:
Endlessly versatile! Dip them in your favorite sauce, coat them in your go-to seasoning, or experiment with spices and flavor combinations.
Meal Prep MVP: Whip up a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week as a post-workout treat, lunchbox addition, or party appetizer.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Forget the chicken finger battles! These bite-sized beauties are kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters.
How To Make Baked Chicken Bites
Ready to go from trend to table? Here's your roadmap to crispy, juicy perfection:
1. Prep the Chicken: Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. To make things easier, freeze the breasts for 20 minutes before cutting. For extra tenderness, marinate them in your favorite sauce or buttermilk for an hour after cutting.
2. Season: This is where you get creative! Seasonings are your superpower - use your favorite seasoning blend or add ⅓ teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper - the possibilities are endless!
3. Baking Basics: Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake those bad boys for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through to 160°F. Pro tip: Add a fat like olive oil, or butter, or both so the chicken breast doesn't dry out.
4. Dipping Delight: Now comes the fun part! Pair your bites with classic marinara sauce, creamy ranch, or spicy buffalo sauce. You can also get adventurous with yogurt-based dips, honey mustard, or even a sweet chili glaze.
How To Elevate Baked Chicken Bites
Looking to go beyond the basics? Here are some additional ideas for insanely good baked chicken bites:
Buffalo Bites: Toss cooked chicken in your favorite buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
Sesame-Crusted: Coat your cooked chicken in a mixture of sesame seeds, soy sauce, honey, and ginger for an Asian-inspired twist.
Parmesan-Crusted: Dredge your cooked chicken in grated Parmesan cheese and herbs for a cheesy delight.
Are you ready to join the bake-off? Grab your baking sheet, crank up the oven, and get ready to make this recipe over and over again.
Easy Baked Chicken Bites Recipe
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breast, skinless and boneless (about three breasts)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons adobo or other salted seasoning blend*
1 teaspoon corn starch
3 tablespoons butter, large dice
*If your seasoning blend is unsalted, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the mix.
Directions:
Place an oven rack in the center of your oven. Preheat it to 400°F.
Pat 1 pound of chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then chop the breasts in two-inch chunks.
Place the chicken in a baking dish big enough to hold the chunks in a single layer. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and mix to coat.
In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of your favorite salted seasoning blend with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. If your seasoning blend does not contain salt, add 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the mix.
Sprinkle the chicken with the seasoning blend and mix well to cover thoroughly.
Dot the chicken with the diced butter.
Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes or until it registers 160°F on a digital thermometer. Take it out of the oven. Carry-over cooking will take the chicken to the required 165°F.
Enjoy as a snack or served over rice, pasta, or broccoli.
