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Ready in just minutes, these Chicken Bites are generously seasoned pieces of tender chicken with crispy edges, perfect for a game day, a family night in, or just when you’re in the mood for something satisfying. Blink and they’re gone!
My boyfriend hasn’t shut up about this since I made it. Five star recipe all around and will certainly be added to my regular arsenal. I cooked it for about 7 minutes over low medium heat. I would HIGHLY recommend this recipe. So easy!
Chicken Bites
It was almost 15 years ago when I first came across the recipe for “Indian Chicken Bits” in a cookbook. As soon as I saw the ingredient list and how simple it was to make, I knew we’d be trying it soon. The recipe has changed and grown, but this chicken remains one of my favorite fast dinners over the past twelve years.
I don’t find that this chicken is distinctly Indian, but it is loaded with great flavor and has just a hint of spicy heat. My boys and I enjoy it very much. Personally, this is just the right level of heat for me. They, on the other hand, go a little crazy with the hot sauce.
Chicken Bites Recipe
One of the things that I love about this chicken bites recipe is its adaptability. This chicken gets along with everyone at the party: dips, sauces, seasonings, sides, they’re all good friends. And, if you’ve ever found yourself going back to the pan again and again for another taste test, then you’ll be right at home with this chicken.
The secret to this chicken is the speed. We’re cooking on high heat, here. And, the chicken is chopped pretty small. So, it doesn’t take a lot of time to finish each panful. Don’t overcook the chicken! Also, don’t overlook giving your chicken a garnish just prior to serving. That last toss of seasoning, drizzle of sauce, or sprinkle of flaky salt is a ritual where you make this dish exactly your own.
This is a very easy meal, about 20 minutes from start to finish (and that includes letting the chicken rest!). We’ve made it countless times. As an appetizer or a main dish, this chicken is fantastic. I often serve the chicken along with a whole lot of fresh vegetables for dipping.
Yes, dipping. Chicken bites yearn for a good dipping sauce. I love them with my homemade ranch dip (hundreds of 5-star ratings can’t be wrong, right?). And, if you’re not a fan of ranch, avocado cream sauce is a good option, too!
Chicken Bite Recipes
In case I haven’t made it clear yet, these kinds of chicken bite recipes have become a staple in my house. I love a dinner that’s ready in a flash, but is so much more than a flash in the pan. So, if you want quick and easy chicken and you’re down to get adventurous with your spice cabinet, here’s the list.
Spicy and smoky flavors infuse these southwest chicken bites and my chipotle ranch chicken bites. Prefer a bit of sweet? Try these sweet and sticky honey sriracha chicken bites, instead. But, don’t thank me! Thank my friend Rebecca, for introducing them to me. I sure did. Pair them with my sweet chili sauce and go straight to flavor heaven.
Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 – 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons light flavored olive oil or coconut oil divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Dice the chicken into small pieces, approximately 3/4″-1″ in size. Set aside in a medium size bowl. In a small dish or measuring cup, combine all of the spices. Add 1 tablespoon of oil (melted if using coconut oil) and all of the spices to the bowl with the chicken. Toss well to combine. Let rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a very large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Saute, turning or stirring constantly, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. This took just a few minutes. Take care not to overcook the chicken.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the pan when they are finished cooking. Because the pieces are small, they will dry out if left in the hot pan.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 3/14/12 – photos and recipe notes updated 11/17/25}
Recipe lightly adapted from and with thanks to Madhur Jaffrey’s Quick & Easy Indian Cooking via Bo’s Bowl.
Oooh! My kids would love these!
Was wondering if you could grill these.
I think they’d probably work fine on skewers. I’ve never tried it myself.
I hope the kids are feeling better. How lucky to have a husband who makes such delicious meals.
Oh I can’t wait to try this one!
I hope you love it as much as we do, Helena!
Still being Indian never cooked chicken this way. This preparation of chicken is really yummy. Will surely cook again and again.
Finally got round to trying this out after eyeing your recipes for a couple of months. I used a mix of breast and thighs — followed your recipe exactly; it turned out delicious! The only thing is the chicken pieces didn’t quite get the char you have in your photo. I cooked it on high heat but the ghee seemed to burn out before the chicken had a chance to do its thing. I’m going to give this another go tomorrow (cooked only half the batch, the rest is still sitting in the marinade). Any tips?
I’m so glad you liked the chicken, Mateo. There really isn’t a char on the chicken when I make it. The spices tend to give it a deeper color though. I’ve never tried it with ghee, though I imagine it works nicely.
Omgoodness so good. A little sauteed zucchini we were all in love
It’s a great combination, isn’t it? I’m glad you enjoyed the meal, Andrea!
Very delicious and so easy! They went well with twice-baked cheddar potatos. Next time will make a flavored rice to go with them.
My boyfriend hasn’t shut up about this since I made it. Five star recipe all around and will certainly be added to my regular arsenal. I used coconut oil in my rendition and cooked it for about 7 minutes over low medium heat. I would HIGHLY recommend this recipe. So easy!
I’m so glad that you love the recipe, Jack!
This was so delicious! And so easy! Really looking forward to making this again soon!
I’m glad you liked it, Lynn!
Wow, these are amazing and loved by my kids for lunch.
I’m glad you like the chicken, Matt!
We absolutely love this recipe!. We had it for dinner again tonight with Masoor Dal. There are so many reasons to love this recipe. It’s quick and easy to make, it turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender, it’s wholesome and nutritious, it’s versatile enough to be served with just about anything, and it tastes sublime. Don’t skimp on the thyme, though. For us, that’s what puts the taste over the top.
I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the chicken, Tess.
Thank you so much for this recipe. This is my go to recipe whenever I have chicken breast on hand. It is so easy and more importantly so delicious! I usually serve it over brown rice.
I’m so glad you like the chicken bites, Carol!
bites or bits?
Either could work, Susan, but bites usually better describes the size the chicken should be cut to. Enjoy!
I made the chicken bites and really enjoyed the tender bite size eating. It was a new flavor as I have not used Indian recipes and was careful with spices but was quick, easy and delicious. Thanks for helping me try something new 🤗
I’m thrilled the chicken was a hit, Bobbie!