If you’re looking for a simple, family-friendly dinner that doesn’t take much time or effort, these Baked Chicken Bites are exactly what you need. Bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken are oven-roasted to golden perfection, giving you juicy, tender meat with just the right amount of flavor. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, prepping meals ahead of time, or looking for a clean, low-carb option, this recipe checks every box.
Why We Love These Baked Chicken Bites
These chicken bites are not only easy to make, but they’re also packed with flavor and come together quickly. With just a handful of pantry spices and a quick toss in olive oil, you’ll have seasoned chicken cubes ready for the oven in under 15 minutes. They cook fast, require no frying, and the cleanup is minimal. Plus, they’re naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making them perfect for keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets.
Even picky eaters love them — especially when you serve them with dipping sauces or wrap them into tacos, salads, or bowls.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make a batch of juicy, golden chicken bites:
- 2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons salt-free garlic pepper (or garlic powder + black pepper)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust if seasoning blend has salt)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into 12 small pieces
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
How to Make Baked Chicken Bites
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Sheet Pan
Start by placing your oven rack in the center position and preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly coat a large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cube and Season the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and lay them out on a large cutting board or piece of foil. In a small bowl, mix the garlic pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and optional cayenne. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
Drizzle with olive oil, then use your hands or tongs to toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake
Spread the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Scatter the small pieces of butter over the top.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the pan and stir the chicken bites with a spatula. Spread them back out into an even layer and return to the oven for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Broil for Crispiness
Move the oven rack one position higher (about 7 inches from the heating element) and switch your oven to broil. Broil for 2 minutes, just until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve It
These chicken bites are incredibly versatile. Here are some easy ways to serve them:
- On their own with a side of rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables
- Stuffed into lettuce wraps with sliced cucumbers and a drizzle of yogurt sauce
- Over salad greens for a protein-packed lunch
- Tucked into pita bread or tortillas with slaw and hot sauce
- Meal prep bowls with quinoa, steamed veggies, and a drizzle of tahini or vinaigrette
They also pair well with sauces like ranch, honey mustard, buffalo, BBQ, or garlic aioli.
Expert Tips
- Cut chicken evenly: Try to keep the chicken cubes uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Adjust salt carefully: If you’re not using salt-free garlic pepper, reduce the added kosher salt to avoid over-salting.
- Don’t skip the butter: The small butter pieces melt during baking and help brown the chicken, giving it a richer taste.
- Use a meat thermometer: It ensures your chicken is fully cooked without becoming dry.
- Broil cautiously: Keep a close eye while broiling — it only takes 1–2 minutes for the chicken to brown.
How to Store It
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave: Add a splash of broth or water and cover loosely with a paper towel. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 7–10 minutes until warmed through.
- Air fryer: Re-crisp at 375°F for 3–5 minutes.
You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations
You can change up the flavor profile of these chicken bites to suit your mood or dietary needs:
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Bites: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and toss with BBQ sauce after baking.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Bites: Add lemon zest to the seasoning and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Buffalo Chicken Bites: Toss hot baked bites in buffalo sauce and serve with celery and ranch.
- Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), ground ginger, and sesame oil instead of Italian seasoning.
- Keto Parmesan Bites: Toss the raw seasoned chicken in grated Parmesan before baking for a crispy coating.
FAQ – Baked Chicken Bites
What’s the best chicken to use for chicken bites?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great because they’re lean and easy to cube. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat or juicier bites.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer for about 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Are these chicken bites keto-friendly?
Absolutely. With almost no carbs and a healthy dose of fat and protein, these chicken bites are ideal for keto and low-carb diets.
Can I prep them ahead of time?
Yes, you can season the chicken and store it in the fridge up to 24 hours ahead of baking. It also makes a great meal prep protein for lunches all week.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Ranch, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, BBQ, garlic aioli, and tzatziki are all great options. You can also serve them plain with just a squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs.
Baked Chicken Bites
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons salt-free garlic pepper or garlic powder + black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust if seasoning blend has salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter cut into 12 small pieces
- fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and lightly coat a large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray.
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place on a cutting board. In a small bowl, mix garlic pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and cayenne. Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the chicken cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet and scatter the butter pieces over the top.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then stir the chicken. Bake for another 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Move the oven rack higher and broil for 2 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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