Blackened Chicken Bites
Bring bold, smoky flavors to your table with these irresistible Blackened Chicken Bites, a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast are coated in a blend of Cajun-inspired spices, featuring paprika, cayenne pepper, and earthy dried herbs like oregano and thyme, ensuring every piece is packed with flavor. Pan-seared to perfection in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil and butter, these chicken bites develop a beautiful, golden crust while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect as a standalone appetizer, served with your favorite dipping sauce, or paired with a crisp salad or fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon, these Blackened Chicken Bites will elevate your dinner rotation with their smoky, zesty kick.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
Instructions
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes (approximately 1-inch pieces) and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the blackened seasoning.
Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the chicken to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the blackened seasoning mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet (or nonstick skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter to the skillet. Swirl the pan to coat the cooking surface evenly.
Once the skillet is hot and the butter has melted, add the chicken bites in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes without moving, allowing a seared crust to form. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken bites are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Pair these bites with a dipping sauce or side dish of your choice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1146 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.9 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.4 g | 77% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 418 mg | 140% | |
| Sodium | 2778 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.1 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 142.5 g | 285% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 102 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 1372 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
