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Quick and Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites. This recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a rich balsamic glaze in a meal that’s simple to prepare and delightful to eat. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight.
Oven Baked Chicken Bites
We’re all about quick and comforting meals at our house, and these Oven Baked Chicken Bites are a total winner on busy nights. I toss chunks of chicken in a simple but flavorful marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hearty mix of spices, then spread them out in a baking dish to bake to golden perfection. It’s a fuss-free recipe that brings everyone to the kitchen with its inviting aroma. Even our dogs sit patiently, hoping for a taste!
This dish is a personal favorite because it’s not just delicious; it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve these bites over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug. So the next time you have some chicken breasts and you’re not sure what to do with them, grab some spices from your pantry and let’s make these chicken bites together.
Oven Baked Chicken Bites Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: All you need is a pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut up into bite size pieces. You can do this with chicken thighs as well, if you prefer.
- Olive oil and melted butter: I like to mix the two and love the extra flavor that the butter adds.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness. Feel free to sub with Apple cider vinegar.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for that aromatic depth. If you don’t have any fresh garlic, you could sub with some garlic powder.
- Seasonings: You could add your favorite seasonings but I love some onion powder, along with some paprika and a chicken bouillon cube for lots of that chicken flavor. Plus don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.
- Dried oregano and basil: These herbs add classic Italian flavors. You can replace this with Italian seasoning if you prefer.
- Fresh parsley: I always love to garnish with a bit of fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Detailed instructions for how to make Oven Baked Chicken Bites are included in the recipe box below, but here are 5 steps to keep in mind.
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensure all your chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking. This prevents smaller pieces from drying out before the larger ones are done.
- Let the Marinade Work: For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. This is perfect if you want to prep the night before and the next day when you come from work all you have to do is pop it in the oven.
- Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to season these chicken bites generously. Also, feel free to try different spices and herbs or use what you have in your pantry.
- Make Gravy from Baking Juices: After baking your chicken bites, don’t discard the flavorful juices left in the dish. Pour them into a saucepan, and whisk in a tablespoon of flour to create a roux. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. You’ll love this homemade gravy, it will have lots of great flavor from all the herbs and seasonings.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. Pull it out as soon as it hits 165°F (75°C) to keep it juicy and tender.
How To Serve
These Oven Baked Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some great recipes to serve alongside these chicken bites:
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the baking instructions.
Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade to suit your taste. Adding chili flakes can give it a spicy kick, or try using lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, these Oven Baked Chicken Bites can be suitable for a low-carb diet, especially if you choose your sides carefully. Serving them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can keep the meal low in carbohydrates.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until they are thoroughly warmed through. You can also freeze them. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Chicken Recipes
Looking for more easy chicken recipes? Here are a few of my favorites:
Oven Baked Chicken Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cube chicken bouillon crushed into powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, crushed chicken bouillon cube, oregano, basil, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them until they're well coated with the marinade. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish along with all the marinade.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For a more golden exterior, you can broil the chicken for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to reabsorb the juices. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve while warm over rice or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Notes:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
- Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
