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Homemade Chicken Bites photo

Chicken Bites

Tender, seasoned chicken cubes seared in olive oil and finished with butter for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • parsley for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to make the spice blend.
  • Trim any fat or gristle from the chicken breasts and cut into 1-inch cubes.
  • Add the diced chicken to the bowl with the spice blend and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium.
  • Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook undisturbed until the bottoms are golden brown, about 3 minutes.
  • Flip the pieces and cook for about 2 more minutes, until nearly cooked through.
  • Add the butter to the skillet and stir or toss the chicken for 1–3 minutes until the butter melts and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F; remove from heat.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cutting chicken into 1-inch pieces increases surface area for seasoning and speeds cooking.
  • If using 1½-inch pieces, add 1–2 minutes to cook time.
  • For thighs, trim excess fat and add 1–2 minutes to cooking time.
  • Regular paprika can replace smoked paprika if needed.
  • Use a non-dairy butter substitute to make this dairy-free.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.