Growing up, these chicken bites were the kind of thing my family made on busy weeknights when we still wanted something homemade and satisfying. We’d toss them with a few pantry staples, pop them in the oven, and by the time everyone had gathered around the table, that irresistible golden crust had formed, filling the kitchen with a warm, savory aroma. No deep frying, no standing over a stovetop—just pure ease and deliciousness.
These bites are kid-approved, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, wrap them in a tortilla with crunchy lettuce, or pair them with roasted veggies for a balanced plate. They’re the kind of meal that reminds us that simple can still be seriously good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and no complicated steps—just toss, bake, and enjoy.
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Healthier Alternative: Baked, not fried, but still full of flavor and crunch.
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Family-Friendly: Great for picky eaters, lunchboxes, and weeknight dinners.
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Customizable: Spice them up, keep them mild, or switch up the seasoning to suit your mood.
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Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for later—perfect for meal prep.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
HOW TO MAKE OVEN-BAKED CHICKEN BITES:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep things from sticking. You want the oven nice and hot so the chicken gets that golden finish without drying out.
Step 2: Chop and Toss
Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks—think about the size of a nugget. Not too big, not too small, just right for popping into your mouth. Add the chicken pieces to a large bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, and toss until each piece is evenly coated. This helps the seasonings stick and keeps the chicken juicy while baking.
Step 3: Seasoning Time
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the oiled chicken and toss again until each piece is coated with all that savory flavor.
Step 4: The Secret to a Crispy Finish
Now, sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned chicken and gently toss. The cornstarch helps create that perfect crisp coating when baked. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space—crowding them can cause them to steam instead of crisp. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re golden and cooked through, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Then serve them up however you like—dunked in BBQ sauce, wrapped in flatbread, or just as they are, straight off the pan!
HELPFUL TIPS:
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Even Pieces: Try to keep the chicken pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
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Add Heat: Craving a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
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Crispier Finish: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken bites for 1–2 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
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Dipping Sauce Ideas: Ranch, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or even a garlic yogurt dip pair beautifully.
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Meal Prep Tip: Double the recipe and freeze half—future you will thank you!
DETAILS:
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
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Category: Main Course
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Method: Baked
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Cuisine: American
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Diet: Gluten-Free (if using certified gluten-free cornstarch)
NOTES:
These oven-baked chicken bites are great on their own, but don’t be afraid to make them your own. Try different seasoning blends like taco seasoning, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice. The basic technique stays the same—just adjust the flavors to match your craving.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving – Approximate):
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Calories: 210
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 0.5g
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Sugar: 0g
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Sodium: 320mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and work just as well. Just adjust the cooking time if needed—they may take a few more minutes.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bites reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer. Just store in the fridge and reheat at 375°F until warmed through and crispy.
Can I freeze them?
Totally. Freeze them after baking in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Reheat from frozen at 375°F until hot and crispy.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should be 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut one piece open—it should be white and juicy, not pink.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Let the chicken bites cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For freezing, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
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CONCLUSION
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for something simple and satisfying, these Oven-Baked Chicken Bites check all the boxes. They’re quick, easy, flavorful, and the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again. Plus, they’re totally customizable—so you can make them your own every time. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a regular on your weekly menu!
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Oven-Baked Chicken Bites
Description
Growing up, these chicken bites were the kind of thing my family made on busy weeknights when we still wanted something homemade and satisfying. We’d toss them with a few pantry staples, pop them in the oven, and by the time everyone had gathered around the table, that irresistible golden crust had formed, filling the kitchen with a warm, savory aroma. No deep frying, no standing over a stovetop—just pure ease and deliciousness.
These bites are kid-approved, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, wrap them in a tortilla with crunchy lettuce, or pair them with roasted veggies for a balanced plate. They’re the kind of meal that reminds us that simple can still be seriously good.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep things from sticking. You want the oven nice and hot so the chicken gets that golden finish without drying out.
Step 2: Chop and Toss
Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks—think about the size of a nugget. Not too big, not too small, just right for popping into your mouth. Add the chicken pieces to a large bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, and toss until each piece is evenly coated. This helps the seasonings stick and keeps the chicken juicy while baking.
Step 3: Seasoning Time
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the oiled chicken and toss again until each piece is coated with all that savory flavor.
Step 4: The Secret to a Crispy Finish
Now, sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned chicken and gently toss. The cornstarch helps create that perfect crisp coating when baked. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space—crowding them can cause them to steam instead of crisp. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re golden and cooked through, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Then serve them up however you like—dunked in BBQ sauce, wrapped in flatbread, or just as they are, straight off the pan!
Notes
These oven-baked chicken bites are great on their own, but don’t be afraid to make them your own. Try different seasoning blends like taco seasoning, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice. The basic technique stays the same—just adjust the flavors to match your craving.