Looking for a simple yet delicious way to enjoy chicken? These Oven Baked Chicken Bites are a quick go-to recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and only take 35 minutes from start to finish. Serve them over rice, roasted vegetables, or toss them into a salad or wrap!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, diced
Directions
1. Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or spray a medium baking dish, then place your chicken pieces inside.
2. Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Paprika
- Sea salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Dried thyme
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken in the pan. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken. Toss everything together so all the pieces are evenly coated.
3. Add Butter
Place the butter cubes around the chicken. This melts during baking and keeps the chicken juicy while adding rich flavor.
4. Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy.
5. Serve
Serve warm, either:
- Over fluffy rice
- On top of roasted veggies
- Inside a wrap or pita
- With a fresh garden salad
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well. You may need to bake them a few minutes longer.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can prep the chicken and seasoning in advance, then bake when ready. Or bake it, store it in the fridge, and reheat as needed.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat chicken bites?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make them rubbery.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Let the chicken bites cool, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Notes & Suggestions
- Spicy kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
- More herbs? Feel free to use Italian seasoning, rosemary, or basil.
- Kid-friendly idea: Serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch.
- Crispier version: Spread chicken bites on a baking sheet for more crispiness, or use the broiler for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
These Oven Baked Chicken Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With their golden-brown edges, tender centers, and delicious seasoning, they’re a perfect match for almost anything—rice bowls, wraps, salads, or eaten straight from the pan. Quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable!