Finding quick, healthy, and flavorful meals can often feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. The last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day. Cubed chicken recipes offer the perfect solution! Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also cook much faster than whole chicken breasts or thighs, making them ideal for those busy weeknights when time is short, but you still want a home-cooked meal.
The Versatility of Cubed Chicken
The versatility of cubed chicken is another big plus. These bite-sized pieces can be seasoned in countless ways—whether you prefer the simplicity of salt and pepper, the aromatic flavor of Italian seasoning, or the boldness of fresh garlic and onion powder, there’s a flavor profile for everyone. Plus, cubed chicken pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides like rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, allowing you to create a balanced and nutritious meal with minimal effort.
Our Mission at River Recipes
At River Recipes, our mission is to make cooking not only easy but also enjoyable for everyone. From home cookslooking to improve their culinary skills to working professionals who need something fast, we strive to offer recipes that are accessible, delicious, and perfect for every skill level. With our cubed chicken recipes, you can whip up dinner in no time, leaving more space in your day for the things that truly matter.
Easy, Tasty Cubed Chicken Recipes for Everyone
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, these three cubed chicken dishes are guaranteed to simplify your weeknight cooking routine while keeping things flavorful. They’re quick, packed with protein, and flexible enough to suit your personal taste—making them the ideal go-to meals for any night of the week. Try them today and see how cubed chicken can elevate your dinner game!
Why Cubed Chicken is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
- Quick Cooking Time: Cubed chicken cooks much faster than whole chicken breasts or thighs. Small, bite-sized pieces of chicken ensure even cooking, helping you get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Versatility: Whether you sauté the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat or bake it in the oven, cubed chicken adapts well to various cooking methods and seasonings like onion powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh garlic. You can even try making garlic butter chicken bites for extra flavor.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: These cubed chicken recipes are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to cook once and enjoy multiple meals throughout the week.
- Healthy Option: Both boneless skinless chicken breasts and boneless skinless chicken thighs are lean, protein-packed options that are low in saturated fat, making them ideal for health-conscious cooks.
Key Ingredients for Delicious Cubed Chicken Recipes
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to create tasty cubed chicken recipes that are packed with flavor and easy to make.
Chicken
Use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubesensures that it cooks evenly and quickly. If you’re not sure how to cut chicken properly, check out our guide on how todice chicken breast perfectly for step-by-step tips.
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings are simple but essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken. They create a solid base for any additional spices or sauces.
- Onion powder and Italian seasoning: Add depth and a savory element to the dish with these pantry staples. Italian seasoning brings a classic herb blend that complements a variety of recipes.
- Fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives your dish a bold, aromatic flavor. If you’re a fan of garlicky dishes, you can also explore making garlic butter chicken bites, which highlight garlic as a central flavor.
Olive Oil
Cooking your chicken in olive oil is a healthier option compared to butter or other fats. Olive oil provides a good balance of flavor without adding too much saturated fat. Plus, it helps develop a nice golden sear on the chicken. Learn more about the health benefits of olive oil to understand why it’s a great choice for your kitchen.
Optional Add-ins
To make your cubed chicken recipes more nutritious and flavorful, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms. These vegetables not only add texture but also increase the meal’s fiber and nutrient content, making it a balanced, satisfying dish.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Cubed Chicken
To make sure your cubed chicken recipes come out perfectly every time, follow this easy step-by-step process. With each step, you’ll get tender, flavorful chicken that’s great for a variety of meals.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. If you’re new to this, you can learn howto dice chicken breast perfectly every time. This step ensures that your chicken will cook quickly and evenly.
Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This is an important step because it removes excess moisture, which helps the chicken brown nicely when cooking, rather than steam. Drying the chicken makes it easier to achieve that delicious golden crust.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Once your chicken is ready, it’s time to season it. In a small bowl, combine your seasonings: salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and fresh garlic. Mixing these spices together in advance ensures the flavor will be evenly distributed across all the chicken pieces.
Next, toss the pieces of chicken with the seasoning mixture. Make sure each cube is thoroughly coated with the spices. This step infuses the chicken with bold flavors, making it the star of your meal.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. To ensure the best results, you can also follow these best practices for cooking chicken in a skillet. The oil helps develop a nice golden crust while keeping the chicken moist.
Add the chicken in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning. Cook for about 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure all sides are evenly browned. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which is the safe temperature for consuming poultry.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Finally, once the chicken is cooked through and golden, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about a minute. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist and tender. Serve your delicious chicken with your favorite sides such as rice, pasta, or steamed veggies. For more meal prep ideas, check out our top 22 pasta meal preprecipes for additional inspiration.
Additional Tips for Perfect Cubed Chicken
To make sure your chicken always turns out perfectly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid Overcrowding: Always make sure there’s enough space in the pan for the chicken to brown. Crowding the chicken will cause it to steam rather than sear, which prevents it from developing that tasty crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F guarantees your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest for a minute after cooking helps retain its juices, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
When cooking with olive oil, not only does it enhance flavor, but it’s also a heart-healthy option. Learn more about the health benefits of cooking with olive oil, which includes being rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
Recipe #1: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites (15-Minute Recipe!)
This garlic butter chicken bites recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that takes only 15 minutes to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Follow the basic cooking steps mentioned above.
- After the chicken is browned, add the butter and garlic to the skillet. Let the garlic cook until fragrant.
- Serve immediately, drizzled with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Recipe #2: Honey Garlic Cubed Chicken
For a sweet and savory twist, try this honey garlic cubed chicken recipe. It’s quick to make and goes well with rice or quinoa.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Cook the chicken as described in the Step-by-Step Guide.
- Once the chicken is browned, stir in honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Let the sauce thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice or quinoa for a nutritious, filling meal.
Recipe #3: Italian-Seasoned Chicken Bites
For a Mediterranean-inspired dish, these Italian-seasoned chicken bites are a must-try.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Follow the standard cooking process, adding Italian seasoning and onion powder for extra flavor.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a simple side salad or roasted potatoes.
Customizing Your Cubed Chicken Recipes
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle some chili flakes or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Different Protein Sources: Swap the chicken with cubed tofu or pork for variety.
- Low-Fat Version: Use olive oil instead of butter to reduce the saturated fat content in your meal.
Meal Prep Tips for Cubed Chicken Recipes
- Prep Ahead: Cube and season the chicken in advance. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Cook in Batches: Prepare extra chicken and store in airtight containers for easy reheating during the week.
- Freezing Tips: Allow cooked chicken to cool completely before freezing it in freezer-safe bags.
Nutritional Information for Cubed Chicken Recipes
- Calories: Expect each dish to be roughly 250-350 calories per serving, depending on the recipe.
- Health Benefits: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are rich in protein and low in fat, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet. Cooking with olive oil adds healthy fats while keeping the dish light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cubed chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen cubed chicken, but it’s important to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thawing ensures even browning and prevents the chicken from cooking unevenly. For the best results, place the frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave. If you’re unsure of the best defrosting method, check out this guide on how to safely thaw chicken.
What’s the best way to store leftover cubed chicken?
To store leftover cubed chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it for longer, you can freeze the chicken for up to a month. For proper food safety, be sure to allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. Learn more about proper food storage techniques to ensure your leftovers stay fresh and safe to eat.
How do I prevent cubed chicken from drying out?
The key to preventing cubed chicken from drying out is to avoid overcooking. Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Additionally, marinating the chicken beforehand can lock in moisture and enhance the flavor. You can try a simple marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs to keep the chicken tender. For more ideas, check out our tips on how to marinate chicken for the best results.
Make Weeknight Dinners Easier with Cubed Chicken
With these cubed chicken recipes, making a healthy and delicious dinner after a long day becomes stress-free. Whether you prefer the garlicky richness of garlic butter chicken bites or the sweet-savory combination of honey garlic chicken, there’s a recipe here for every taste and dietary need.
At River Recipes, we aim to inspire you to create memorable meals at home. Try out these recipes and customize them to your liking—your next weeknight dinner just got a whole lot easier! If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our Top 22 Pasta Meal Prep Recipes or learn How to Dice Chicken Breast perfectly for every recipe.
For those interested in expanding their culinary skills, don’t miss our guide on How to Cook Diced Chicken Breast—perfect for making meal prep even easier!and you can check this for more Cooking Techniques.
River Recipes aims to inspire you to create memorable meals at home. Try out these recipes and customize them to your liking—your next weeknight dinner just got a whole lot easier!