Bite-size pieces of chicken are tossed in a mixture of oil and spices before being quickly cooked in a hot skillet to create these flavorful and juicy Indian Chicken Bites. Served with Cilantro Lime Rice or Mushroom and Pepper Rice Pilaf this is a meal that my whole family loves.
Chicken Bites
Incredibly flavorful and juicy Chicken Bites are a terrific dinner for the busiest of weeknights! This has become one of my favorite fast dinners over the past 12 years.
I originally stumbled across a recipe for Indian Chicken Bits and as soon as I saw the ingredient list and the simplicity of it all, I knew we’d be trying it soon. I saved the recipe in my “want to try this” folder.
Later that month, while we had a houseful of sick kids, Sean was able to toss these Chicken Bits together for a simple dinner over the weekend. There is not a distinct Indian flavor to this dish. However, the chicken is loaded with great flavor and just a hint of spicy heat. We all enjoyed it very much.
This is a very easy meal, maybe 30 minutes from start to finish and that includes letting the chicken rest for a while.
We’ve made this countless times over the past six years. As an appetizer or a main dish, this chicken is fantastic.
I’ve this chicken with the rice dishes I mentioned above, or on its own with Homemade Ranch Dip. I often serve the chicken along with a whole lot of fresh vegetables for dipping with the ranch dip.
Chicken bite recipes have become a popular dinner option in my house and we now make Southwest Chicken Bites, Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites, Huli, Huli Chicken Bites, Chipotle Ranch Chicken Bites, Honey Spice Broiled Chicken Bites, and Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites too!
Indian Chicken Bits
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- boneless skinless chicken, thighs or breasts
- light-flavored olive oil or coconut oil
- freshly ground black pepper
- cumin
- thyme
- paprika
- kosher salt
- garlic powder
- turmeric
- cayenne
Chicken Bites Recipe
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 with a spatula or tongs, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. This should take just a few minutes. Be careful 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.
The first time we made Indian Chicken Bits, we served them with Roasted Potato Wedges and Po’dunk Sauce.
The sauce was delicious as a dip for the potatoes and I couldn’t resist trying it as a dip for the chicken as well. We really enjoyed it that way too.
Here’s a final serving tip. If you have fresh zucchini, toss it in the pan right after the chicken and make this delicious Sauteed Spiced Zucchini.
I have been known to make this chicken just as an excuse to cook the zucchini in the remaining pan juices. The chicken would also be delicious with this Easy Rice Pilaf or Skillet Mexican Street Corn.
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
{originally published 3/14/12 – photos and recipe notes updated 9/25/24}
Recipe lightly adapted from and with thanks to Madhur Jaffrey’s Quick & Easy Indian Cooking via Bo’s Bowl.
Becki's Whole Life says
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:-(.
Jenn says
Mmmmmmm… those look fantastic, Mary! And dipped in the podunk sauce, I bet they'd be even better 🙂
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
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!
The Slow Roasted Italian says
Looks very tasty. Hope everyone is feeling better too!
Katerina says
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!
Geni says
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.
sportsglutton says
Great combination of spices for the chicken and I can see how good it would be with the sauce.
Nancy @Real Food, Allergy Free says
I cannot wait to make these!
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
Ok this is perfection!!!!
Mary x
Words Of Deliciousness says
I love the combination of spices that this recipe uses. Sounds wonderful
[AguiLeon] says
i want to make this nice share
Jade @ Maids says
sweet 🙂 wish my hubby can cook too haha!
The Harried Cook says
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!
Katie @ This Chick Cooks says
These look so good! I had to pin them 🙂
Chris says
That does sound really good! I could see using it in lettuce wraps too.
Zen Mommy says
My new favorite recipe. Love this. I tried it with fish last night and it was incredible. Thank you and to your man! 😉
Mary says
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know. Have a great weekend!
motherrimmy says
I hope the kids are feeling better. How lucky to have a husband who makes such delicious meals.
Lynne | 365 Days of Baking & More says
I was just trying to decide what to make for dinner tonight. I think I found it! We’re going to love this!!
Kristen says
Oh I can’t wait to try this one!
Lin says
Looks delicious