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Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites Recipe

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Bites

Delicious Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Bites recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 940 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken (cut into 1-inch chunks for even baking)
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.25 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (I like Kerrygold for this)
  • 0.5 tsp pepper
  • 0.75 tsp paprika (I use McCormick for a deeper color)
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne
  • 0.75 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.75 tsp onion powder
  • 1.5 tsp chicken stock (liquid concentrate gives better flavor and moisture)
  • 1.5 tsp italian seasoning
  • fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 420°F. While it heats, cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks—uniform sizing ensures even cooking throughout. In a small bowl, combine all the dry seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly. I like to mix my seasonings right before cooking so they don't clump up from any moisture in the air.
  • Place the chicken chunks in a baking dish (9x13 inch or similar size works well). Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture from Step 1 evenly across all the pieces. Toss gently with your hands or a spoon to coat each bite thoroughly, making sure the oil and seasonings reach every surface. For the liquid concentrate chicken stock, dissolve it in about 1 tablespoon of warm water first, then drizzle it over the chicken—this adds moisture and deepens the savory flavor without making the bites soggy.
  • Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the seasoned chicken. The butter will melt during baking and create a flavorful coating while keeping the chicken moist. Place the baking dish in the preheated 420°F oven and set a timer for 8 minutes.
  • After 8 minutes, carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven and give the chicken bites a good stir, making sure to flip them and redistribute the butter and seasonings from the bottom. This step ensures even browning and cooking on all sides. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 6-10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. The exact time depends on the size of your chunks, so use the temperature as your guide rather than relying solely on time.
  • Once the chicken reaches 165°F, switch your oven to the broil setting on high. Place the baking dish on a high rack, about 4-6 inches from the broiler element, and broil for 2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning—you're looking for golden-brown edges and a slight char on the chicken bites that adds visual appeal and extra flavor. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping each bite tender and juicy.
  • Chop fresh parsley and scatter it over the warm chicken bites just before serving. Spoon the pan juices—that flavorful mixture of butter, seasonings, and chicken drippings—over the top as a finishing touch. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, making sure guests get some of those savory pan juices with every bite.