These Chicken Bites are seasoned cubed chicken with garlic, ginger and more, that are air fried or baked to crispy perfection. Takes less than 30 minutes make for the perfect easy weeknight dinner! Serve over a mixed green salad or your favorite rice and sides.
Updated January 2024
Crispy Chicken Bites: Elevate Your Dinner Routine
Craving a wholesome dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and downright delicious? This Chicken Bites recipe promises to elevate your dinner routine with its irresistible combination of crispy chicken, tantalizing sauce, and vibrant toppings.
Made with minimal prep time, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. With succulent bites of golden chicken nuggets, seasoned and sizzled to perfection in the air fryer, they soak up a luscious marinade featuring honey, Sriracha, and more. You get a perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that will leave you craving more.
Plus, the customizable nature of the recipe allows you to tailor it to your preferences. From choosing your favorite rice variety to adjusting the spice level in the sauce, you have the freedom to make it uniquely yours. Plus, with options for vegetarian or gluten-free variations, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein for a satisfying meal.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with a savory aroma.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle warmth to each bite.
- Kosher Salt or Sea Salt, Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing flavors.
For the Sauce
- Coconut Aminos: A healthy alternative to soy sauce, bringing depth to the marinade.
- Honey: Offers a natural sweetness that caramelizes during cooking. Feel free to use maple syrup or a sugar-free sweetener option such as Lakanto Sugar-free maple syrup, allulose or yacon syrup for a lower carb / lower sugar option. Omit and sub with orange juice or homemade date syrup for a Whole30 option.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty undertone.
- Sriracha: Adds a touch of heat for those who crave a kick.
- Rice Wine Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances sweetness and acidity for a harmonious flavor profile.
For Serving
- Cooked Rice of Choice: You can choose Jasmine Rice or any cooked rice of your choice as a hearty base. For a low carb, paleo or Whole30 option, opt for cauliflower rice, riced broccoli, hearts of palm rice or shirataki rice. Zucchini noodles or Miracle Noodles / konjac noodles / shirataki noodles work too.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and a burst of healthy fats.
- Shelled Frozen Edamame: Infuses protein and vibrant color.
- Mini or Persian Cucumber Slices, Shredded/Grated Carrots: Introduce freshness and crunch.
- Chopped Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Serve as the perfect garnish, enhancing visual appeal.
Instructions: How to make Chicken Bites
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat dry 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut into 1” cubes.
- Season with a blend of garlic powder, ground ginger, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
2. Create the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup coconut aminos, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1-2 tsp Sriracha.
- Pour more than half of the sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Marinate for 20-30 minutes.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- If required, preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Spray the basket with oil.
4. Air Fry the Chicken:
- In batches, place seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chicken for even cooking.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
- Whisk the remaining sauce with 1 tsp rice wine vinegar or 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar.
6. Drizzle and Garnish:
- Transfer cooked chicken bites to a bowl.
- Drizzle the reserved sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Assemble the Rice Bowl:
- When ready to serve, layer the bowl with cooked rice:
- Top with chicken:
- Add toppings of choice such as: avocado, edamame, cucumber, and green onions.
- Add grated carrots and sprinkle with an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Oven Option:
- Preheat the oven to 425 F. Spread the seasoned chicken evenly onto the lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes and flip.
- Cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You can switch the oven to the broiler setting for the last 1-2 minutes of the baking time, for extra crispy edges.
Tips for Success: Crispy Perfection Every Time
- Cubing Consistency: Ensure uniform chicken cubes for even cooking.
- Marination Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes, (overnight marinations works wonders) to absorb maximum flavor.
- Perfectly Preheated Air Fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to 380°F for uniform browning and that ideal crispy exterior.
- Sauce Resilience: Don’t rush the sauce; let it meld and thicken for a few minutes after whisking.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for tofu to cater to vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: Opt for gluten-free tamari or low-sodium soy sauce.
- Custom Spice Level: Adjust Sriracha according to spice preference.
- Sweet & Spicy Twist: Increase honey for a sweeter profile or Sriracha for an extra kick.
- Asian Fusion: Infuse soy sauce and ginger into the sauce for a classic Asian-inspired flavor.
- Citrus Zing: Add a splash of fresh lime or orange juice to the marinade for a zesty twist.
- Pineapple Paradise: Include pineapple juice for a tropical infusion in both the sauce and marinade.
- Salmon: Switch things up by swapping the chicken for salmon like our Salmon Bites recipe.
Serving Suggestions to Impress
- Bowl of Goodness: Swap rice for quinoa or noodles to create diverse bowl options.
- Tortilla Toppers: Transform it into a filling for tacos, adding a burst of freshness with cilantro and lime.
- Lettuce Wraps: Wrap the chicken bites in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-free option.
- Stir-Fry Sensation: Toss the chicken bites with stir-fried veggies for a vibrant and wholesome meal.
- Cubing Consistency: Ensure uniform chicken cubes for even cooking.
- Marination Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
- Air Fryer Mastery: Preheat to 380°F, and shake or flip the basket for uniform browning.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For future cravings, freeze individual chicken bites on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This preserves the crispiness when reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate in Advance: Prepare the chicken and let it marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This enhances flavor and simplifies last-minute cooking.
- Freeze Marinated Chicken: For even more convenience, freeze the marinated chicken in airtight bags. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to cook.
- Pre-Mix the Sauce: Whisk the sauce ingredients together and store in a sealed container. This way, you can save time by having it ready to go.
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer Magic: For the crispiest results, reheat the chicken in the air fryer. This method retains the original texture better than other reheating methods.
- Oven Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, use the oven at 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet, ensuring even spacing, and reheat until warmed through.
- Avoid Microwave if Possible: While the microwave is convenient, it can make the chicken lose its crispiness. If using, keep the time short and finish with a quick air fry or oven reheat.
Additional Storage Tips
- Sauce Separation: If the sauce thickens in the refrigerator, give it a quick stir or gentle heat to bring it back to the desired consistency.
- Rice Separation: When storing rice separately, add a damp paper towel to the container to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully, offering a slightly richer flavor. Adjust cooking times as needed for optimal results.
Q2: How can I make the dish less spicy?
To dial down the heat, reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce or omit it altogether. You’ll still enjoy the sweet and savory goodness.
Q3: Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Certainly! Marinate the chicken ahead of time, then air fry it when ready to serve. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep.
Q4: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake the seasoned chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Q5: Is there a substitute for coconut aminos?
Certainly, you can use gluten-free tamari or low-sodium soy sauce as an alternative to coconut aminos.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for that crispy texture.
Q7: Can I freeze the chicken bites?
Absolutely! Flash-freeze individual bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer straight from the freezer.
Q8: What’s the best rice choice?
Jasmine, Basmati, or long grain rice all work well. For a low-carb option, consider cauliflower rice.
Q9: Can I skip the sesame oil?
While it adds a delightful nuttiness, feel free to omit it if needed. The dish will still be delicious without it.
Q10: Any tips for maximizing sauce flavor?
Let the reserved sauce sit for a few minutes after whisking to intensify the flavors before drizzling it over the chicken.
More easy chicken recipes you will love:
These Chicken Bites are seasoned cubed chicken with garlic, ginger and more, that are air fried or baked to crispy perfection. Takes less than 30 minutes make for the perfect easy weeknight dinner! Serve over a mixed green salad or your favorite rice and sides.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast , cut into equal-sized cubes (about 1-inch)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- kosher salt or sea salt , to taste
- cracked black pepper , to taste
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos , you can also sub with gf tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey , feel free to use maple syrup or another sticky liquid sweetener of your choice. You can opt for a sugar-free sweetener option such as Lakanto Sugar-free maple syrup, allulose or yacon syrup for a lower carb / lower sugar option. Omit and sub with orange juice or homemade date syrup for a Whole30 option.
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha , or preferred hot sauce such as gochujang or chili crisp oil, to taste or omit if sensitive to spice
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar , or 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 - 2/3 cup cooked rice of choice . Jasmine, Basmati, long grain or opt for a Whole30 / paleo / low carb options such as cauliflower rice, broccoli rice, zucchini noodles, hearts of palm rice, shirataki rice / shirataki noodles / konjac noodles etc.
- 1/4 avocado , sliced or cubed
- 1-2 tbsp shelled frozen edamame , thawed or heated up
- 4-5 slices of Mini or Persian cucumber slices
- 1-2 tbsp shredded / grated carrots
- Tiny sprinkle of chopped green onions
- Tiny sprinkle of sesame seeds , for garnish
- Pat the chicken dry and cut into 1” cubes. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and ground ginger.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil and Sriracha until combined. Pour a little more than half of the sauce over the chicken. Toss chicken to coat and allow to marinate for 20-30 minutes. Add the vinegar to the remaining sauce and set aside for topping the cooked salmon later.
If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 380F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray. Working in batches as needed, place the seasoned chicken bites on the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or longer as needed until the chicken is golden and cooked through (with some pieces with a light char if desired), shaking the basket around every few times (or flipping the chicken halfway through) to ensure even cooking.
Transfer the chicken bites to a bowl. Whisk the reserved sauce once more to combine, if needed, then drizzle over the chicken. Sprinkle chicken with a little bit of green onions and sesame seeds.
When ready to serve, assemble the rice bowl by adding some rice, then top with a few pieces of chicken, along with edamame, avocado, cucumber, carrots and green onions. Top with another small sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.
Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier clean-up.
Spread chicken evenly onto the lined baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes and flip.
Cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You can switch the oven to the broiler setting for the last 1-2 minutes of the baking time, for extra crispy edges.
Transfer the seasoned chicken bites to a bowl. Whisk the reserved sauce once more to combine, if needed, then drizzle over the chicken. Sprinkle chicken with a little bit of green onions and sesame seeds.
When ready to serve, assemble the rice bowl by adding some rice, then top with a few pieces of chicken, along with edamame, avocado, cucumber, carrots and green onions. Top with another small sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.
How to store:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For future cravings, freeze individual chicken bites on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This preserves the crispiness when reheating.
Note: Nutritional info is calculated for the chicken bites only:
Nutritional info with jasmine rice and toppings listed are estimated to be:
266 calories, 24 carbs, 26 protein, 6 fat and 2 fiber
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