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.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:27 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes (approximately 1-inch pieces) and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the chicken to coat evenly.

Step 4

Sprinkle the blackened seasoning mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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).

Step 8

Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

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

Serving size	515.2 grams (515.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1146

Total Fat 56.90g	73%
Saturated Fat 15.40g	77%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.00g
Cholesterol 419mg	140%
Sodium 2778mg	121%
Total Carbohydrate 9.10g	3%
Dietary Fiber 3.40g	12%
Total Sugars 0.80g
Protein 142.50g	285%

Vitamin D 7IU	34%
Calcium 103mg	8%
Iron 7mg	36%
Potassium 1372mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.8%

Protein: 51.0%

Carbs: 3.3%