These Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites are a quick, flavorful dinner that takes minimal effort to prepare yet delivers big on taste. Made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, and baked until golden and juicy, these chicken bites are ideal for a simple weeknight meal or meal prep. Whether you serve them over cauliflower rice, alongside a salad, or enjoy them on their own, they’re sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These oven-baked chicken bites are a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. The seasoning blend adds just the right amount of heat, while the olive oil and butter help the chicken stay tender and juicy. Baking the chicken ensures a healthier, less greasy option compared to frying, and it’s just as delicious! The recipe is quick, easy to make, and easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Plus, the minimal cleanup makes it even more appealing, making it an ideal meal for busy nights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound (450g) chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground 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, lower salt if using)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 420°F (220°C). Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken stock (optional), and Italian seasoning.
Season the Chicken: Arrange the chicken cubes in a baking dish and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat the chicken evenly. Add the diced butter cubes over the seasoned chicken.
Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). After 8–10 minutes, stir the chicken for even cooking.
Crisp the Chicken (Optional): For crispier chicken, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 2 minutes until golden.
Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve the chicken bites over cauliflower rice with a drizzle of pan juices and a slice of lemon. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 1-2 minutes or reheat them in a skillet with a little olive oil for a few minutes to maintain their juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe! They will be even juicier than chicken breasts, and the seasoning will still complement the thighs beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pieces.

Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken ahead of time by seasoning it and storing it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed.

Can I make this recipe without the cayenne pepper?

Absolutely! If you prefer less heat, you can omit the cayenne pepper. You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more paprika or garlic powder instead.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe, as frozen chicken may release excess moisture while baking, which can affect the texture of the chicken bites. If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

How can I add more flavor to the chicken?

Feel free to experiment by adding different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or lemon zest, to the seasoning mix. You could also marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour before baking for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by replacing the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as olive oil or coconut oil.

Can I make these chicken bites in a skillet?

Yes! If you don’t want to bake them, you can cook the seasoned chicken cubes in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden and fully cooked.

Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to the baking dish alongside the chicken. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken.

How do I make the chicken bites crispier?

To get extra crispy chicken, broil them for the last 2 minutes of baking. Alternatively, you can add a light coating of breadcrumbs or panko before baking for a crispier texture.

Can I serve this with something other than cauliflower rice?

Yes, these chicken bites are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. You can serve them over regular rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites are the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful dinner. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for weeknights or meal prep. The juicy, tender chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices and baked to perfection, making it a satisfying and healthy meal that everyone will love. Plus, the minimal cleanup makes it even better!