Dinner

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites Recipe

Bylina Carter February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

Introduction

These easy oven baked chicken bites are a quick and flavorful option for a weeknight dinner or snack. Packed with aromatic spices and cooked to juicy perfection, they offer a delicious and healthy alternative to fried chicken. Perfect served over cauliflower rice or your favorite side.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with pieces of cooked chicken coated in a rich, orange-red sauce with visible small herbs and spices sprinkled on top. The chicken pieces are arranged mostly in the center and left side of the plate, with a portion of white rice taking up the right side. Two thin lemon slices rest on top of the chicken pieces near the right edge of the plate, adding a fresh contrast. The textures highlight the tender chicken with a slightly crispy sauce coating and soft, fluffy rice grains. The background is a white marbled texture that enhances the colors of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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; reduce salt if using)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 420°F (220ºC) conventional. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken stock (if using), and Italian seasoning. Place chicken in a baking dish, sprinkle with the seasoning mix, then drizzle with olive oil. Toss well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Scatter butter cubes over the chicken.
Step 3: Bake the chicken for 16–18 minutes, stirring gently after 8–10 minutes for even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has golden, crisp edges. For extra crispiness, broil on high for the last 2 minutes.

Step 4: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm over cauliflower rice or your preferred side, drizzled with pan juices and a wedge of lemon.

Tips & Variations

To make this recipe spicier, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of chili flakes.
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite.

Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain their texture. Avoid reheating at very high heat to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

The image shows many pieces of cooked chicken with a golden brown and slightly crispy texture. Each chicken piece is roughly cubed, coated with herbs and spices that give a flaky, slightly charred look, and they are close together, filling the frame completely. A metal spoon is scooping some of the chicken pieces from underneath, with the chicken glistening from oil or sauce that makes it look juicy and tender. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. Cooking from frozen may lead to uneven results.

How do I know when the chicken bites are fully cooked?

The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check doneness.