Quick and Crispy Chicken Bites
Delicious, easy-to-make chicken bites that deliver restaurant-quality flavor in just 10 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil substitute: avocado oil for a higher smoke point
- 2 cloves garlic, minced substitute: 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika substitute: regular paprika plus a dash of liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning substitute: equal parts dried oregano and basil
- ½ teaspoon salt substitute: garlic salt for extra flavor
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper substitute: white pepper for a milder kick
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice substitute: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey substitute: maple syrup or agave nectar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour substitute: cornstarch for a gluten-free option
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional: for heat lovers
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they're roughly the same size for even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Add the chicken cubes to the seasoning mixture and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and toss again until lightly coated.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the chicken cubes to the hot pan in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without disturbing them.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the honey and lemon juice to the pan. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until reduced to a glossy glaze.
- Cook for a final 1-2 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the glaze has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and allow to rest for 1 minute before serving.
Notes
These chicken bites can be easily adapted to fit various dietary plans.