Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites Recipe

The Best Oven Baked Chicken Bites Recipe for Crispy Goodness

Crispy and succulent easy oven baked chicken bites will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Delicate seasonings infuse each morsel with mouthwatering flavor.

Tender chunks of protein promise a delightful meal that comes together quickly.

Home cooks appreciate simple recipes that deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

These bite-sized delights transform ordinary chicken into a crowd-pleasing dish you cannot resist.

Perfectly golden and incredibly juicy, they offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried options.

Savor every delectable piece and watch them disappear from the serving plate in moments.

Oven Baked Chicken Bites That Hit the Spot

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Transform basic chicken into a mouthwatering dish with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master.
  • Quick Kitchen Hero: Prepare a delicious protein-packed meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty herbs and spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon, these chicken bites deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Serve as a protein-rich main course, appetizer, or salad topper that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible seasoning blend.

Gathered Ingredients for Chicken Bites

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that creates the base of these delicious and easy baked bites.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Dried Oregano: Aromatic spices that provide deep flavor and help create a golden-brown exterior.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the chicken.
Fresh Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus elements that add a tangy and fresh dimension to the chicken bites.
  • Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that provides a fresh garnish and adds a pop of color to the final dish.
  • Lemon Wedges: Serve as a zesty accompaniment that allows additional citrus flavor to be added by diners.

How to Make Baked Chicken Bites in the Oven

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip up a mouthwatering marinade by combining:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Lemon juice
  • Lemon zest

Stir everything together until the ingredients dance into a harmonious blend.

Step 3: Massage the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade.

Use your hands or a utensil to ensure every single morsel gets coated with the tantalizing seasoning mix. Make sure no piece is left behind!

Step 4: Spread and Arrange

Carefully spread the chicken bites across the prepared baking sheet. Give each piece some breathing room – no crowding allowed!

This ensures each bite gets crispy and golden.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces midway through cooking. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pull the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a moment. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top and serve with zesty lemon wedges on the side.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Helpful Notes for Chicken Bites Success

  • Space chicken bites evenly on the baking sheet to ensure crispy, golden-brown edges and uniform cooking.
  • Let chicken sit in the seasoning mix for 15-30 minutes before baking to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without drying out.
  • Swap regular spices for certified gluten-free versions to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Cook extra chicken bites and store in airtight containers for quick protein-packed lunches throughout the week.

Baked Chicken Bites with a Twist

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Bites: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder and add ground cumin for a southwest-inspired flavor profile. Serve with salsa or cilantro-lime dipping sauce.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bites: Swap dried oregano with fresh chopped rosemary and thyme. Add crumbled feta cheese before baking for a Mediterranean touch.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Chicken Bites: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for those with additional dietary restrictions.
  • Keto-Friendly Almond Crusted Chicken Bites: Coat chicken in almond flour instead of traditional seasoning mix. Add extra parmesan cheese for crunch and additional protein content.

What to Serve with Baked Chicken Bites

  • Craft a refreshing lemon-infused mojito that echoes the chicken's bright citrus notes, using fresh mint and a splash of white rum to complement the dish's tangy flavors.
  • Create a vibrant side platter with tzatziki, hummus, olives, and warm pita bread to mirror the herb-forward seasoning of the chicken bites, offering a delightful Mediterranean experience.
  • Toss a light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, feta cheese, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette that harmonizes with the chicken's smoky and zesty profile, adding freshness to the meal.

Storing Leftover Baked Chicken Bites

  • Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Place cooled chicken bites in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they are completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Spread chicken bites on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Arrange chicken bites on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are ideal. Cut them into bite-sized pieces around 1-inch cubes for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

  • Can I make these chicken bites spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon and adjust according to your heat preference.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and golden brown on the outside.

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Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites Recipe

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken bites infuse classic American comfort with zesty spices and crisp golden edges. Irresistible morsels deliver a perfect balance of flavor and texture that bring hungry diners straight to the table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Oils and Additional Flavors:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
  2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a spacious mixing bowl.
  3. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring each morsel is generously and evenly covered with the aromatic blend.
  4. Distribute chicken bites across the baking sheet in a single, uncrowded layer to promote uniform cooking and optimal browning.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pieces midway through cooking to guarantee even heat distribution and achieve a golden-brown exterior.
  6. Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest momentarily, then embellish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with bright lemon wedges for a zesty finishing touch.

Notes

  • Customize the spice blend by adjusting quantities or swapping in your favorite herbs and spices for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size to guarantee even cooking and prevent some bites from drying out while others remain undercooked.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking the chicken.
  • Transform this recipe into a low-carb or keto-friendly option by using almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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