You know those golden, juicy bites of chicken that somehow disappear from the plate before you even sit down? Yep—these are them. These easy family recipes baked chicken bites are exactly what busy weeknights dream of. Minimal prep, maximum flavor, and absolutely no deep frying involved.
Whether your evenings involve juggling homework, last-minute Zoom calls, or trying to not burn dinner while helping with math problems (I’ve been there—shoutout to fifth-grade fractions), this dish will become your go-to.
Let’s dive into why you’ll want to bookmark this one, stat.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Family Recipes Baked Chicken Bites
- They’re oven-baked, not fried – So less mess, less grease, and no oil splatter on your favorite shirt.
- Big flavor, simple ingredients – You probably have most of this stuff in your spice rack already.
- Kid-approved – Even the picky ones seem to forget their “I don’t eat that” stance with these.
- Quick clean-up – One pan, one bowl, one happy you.
Ingredients (aka what brings the flavor)
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this quick dinner hero—and why it works:
- Chicken breasts – Lean, easy to dice, and a great canvas for flavor.
- Olive oil – Helps those spices stick and gives the bites a slight crisp.
- Salt & pepper – Classic base seasoning. Adjust depending on the chicken stock.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and keeps the chicken ultra-juicy.
- Paprika & cayenne – For that subtle smoky warmth (adjust cayenne if the kids are spice-sensitive).
- Garlic & onion powder – Boosts the savory factor, big time.
- Instant chicken stock – Optional, but adds umami depth if you’ve got it.
- Italian seasoning – Brings an herby punch with zero extra effort.
- Fresh parsley – Because green garnishes just make us feel fancy.
NOTE: Exact measurements are listed below in the recipe card — scroll down for the full printable version!
How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Bites (That Actually Stay Juicy)
Prep like a pro: Start by preheating your oven to 420°F. (Yes, it’s hot — that’s how we get those golden edges.) Cut your chicken into bite-sized cubes.
Spice it up: In a bowl, mix all the dry seasonings together. This little spice blend is the secret sauce—except it’s dry.
Toss and coat: Place the chicken in a baking dish, toss it with olive oil and the seasoning mix, then dot with butter cubes for extra tenderness.
Bake to golden glory: Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 16–18 minutes, stirring halfway through so each bite gets equal love. Craving crispiness? Pop on the broiler for 2 minutes at the end.
Rest and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, let it sit for a few, and boom—you’ve got the most delicious chicken bites in town.
Serve these beauties with cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or whatever your weeknight vibe is. A squeeze of lemon over the top never hurt anybody.
A Few Tips to Make It Even Easier
- Don’t skip the stir mid-bake. It helps the chicken cook evenly and avoids dry spots.
- Broil at the end for extra crisp if you’re craving that “just fried” texture without the oil bath.
- Make it a meal by pairing with a quick salad or steamed rice. Or just eat them off the tray like I sometimes do. No judgment.
A Little Backstory From My Kitchen
This recipe came to life on a chaotic Tuesday when I had exactly 22 minutes and two hangry kids circling like hawks. I threw together some spices, tossed in chicken, crossed my fingers—and magic happened. Now, it’s a regular in our dinner rotation. Sometimes I double it and save half for next-day wraps or salads. Leftovers? More like lucky-overs.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs tend to be even juicier—just keep an eye on cooking time, as they may take a smidge longer.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! You can season the chicken and store it covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
What’s the best dip for these?
Oh, we love a good honey mustard or creamy ranch. Even plain Greek yogurt with a pinch of garlic powder works in a pinch.
This easy family recipes baked chicken bites dish is more than just a meal—it’s your new weeknight MVP. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll print, magnet to your fridge, and reach for whenever you need something fast, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.
From my chaotic kitchen to yours, happy baking!
Print
Easy Family Recipes Baked Chicken Bites for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These easy family recipes baked chicken bites are your weeknight dinner hero—juicy, crispy-edged chicken cubes seasoned to perfection and baked in just 20 minutes. Family-approved, fuss-free, and packed with bold flavor, they’re perfect over rice, salad, or straight off the tray!
Ingredients
1 pound (450g) chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon instant chicken stock, optional (lower the salt amount if using)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 420°F (220°C), conventional setting. This high heat ensures a nice golden crust.Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.Mix Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken stock (if using), and Italian seasoning.Season & Coat
Place chicken pieces in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with seasoning mix until evenly coated. Add butter cubes scattered over the top.Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Stir the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.Broil for Crispiness (Optional)
For extra-crispy edges, switch to broil on high during the last 2 minutes of baking.Finish & Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make it ahead: Season the chicken the night before and refrigerate—just bake when ready.
Serving suggestion: Great over cauliflower rice, salad, or wrapped in pita.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating tip: Use an air fryer or oven to maintain crispness—avoid microwaving if possible.
Spice level: Adjust the cayenne to suit your family’s heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Easy Chicken Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy family recipes baked chicken bites, oven baked chicken, kid friendly dinner, chicken dinner recipe, baked chicken cubes, weeknight chicken, healthy baked chicken, low carb chicken bites
