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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.
I saw these on Bo's bowl too and I think I pinned them they sounded so yummy.
Sorry you had sick kids last week. Hopefully everyone is doing better…I have a sick one here today, not fun:-(.
Mmmmmmm… those look fantastic, Mary! And dipped in the podunk sauce, I bet they'd be even better 🙂
I love having a dipping sauce. These chicken bites look very good. I bet you could even cut a little bigger and use skewers on the grill. Yum!
Looks very tasty. Hope everyone is feeling better too!
I can appreciate a quick meal especially on those emergency times! This one looks very tasty and the fact that it is made in no time gives it extra points in my kitchen!
This does look easy and would please the whole crowd (family)! Glad your hubby pitched in and so sorry you have kids sick. That's not fun for them or you.
Great combination of spices for the chicken and I can see how good it would be with the sauce.
I cannot wait to make these!
Ok this is perfection!!!!
Mary x
I love the combination of spices that this recipe uses. Sounds wonderful
i want to make this nice share
sweet 🙂 wish my hubby can cook too haha!
How sweet of your husband to throw this together! Mine does that sorta thing too – but why do they have to wait for someone to get sick? My husband's theory is that he would be so good at cooking that we would all demand his food everyday! 🙂 This looks and sounds delicious!
These look so good! I had to pin them 🙂
That does sound really good! I could see using it in lettuce wraps too.
My new favorite recipe. Love this. I tried it with fish last night and it was incredible. Thank you and to your man! 😉
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know. Have a great weekend!
I hope the kids are feeling better. How lucky to have a husband who makes such delicious meals.
I was just trying to decide what to make for dinner tonight. I think I found it! We’re going to love this!!
Oh I can’t wait to try this one!
Looks delicious