Hey there, fellow home cooks! Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Do you dream of whipping up something super tasty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen? Well, you’re in luck! We’re diving into one of our absolute favorite easy chicken breast recipes that’s going to change your weeknight game.
This recipe is all about flavor, convenience, and making the most of a humble ingredient: the chicken breast. It’s perfect for anyone looking for simple chicken recipes that really deliver. Get ready to add a new staple to your cooking repertoire!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love about a meal that comes together quickly and tastes amazing? This particular recipe for chicken bites is a total winner because it’s incredibly versatile and family friendly. It’s one of those chicken breast dinner ideas easy enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress.
First off, it’s lightning fast. We’re talking about a dish that can be on your table in under 20 minutes, which is a huge plus on those busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy chicken breast recipes healthy and full of zest. You get lean protein and a burst of flavor, all in one go.
Another great thing? The customization! While we’re going with a fantastic buffalo seasoning today, this recipe is a blank canvas. You can swap out the spices to match whatever mood you’re in. It truly makes for some of the most adaptable easy chicken breast recipes out there.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is super straightforward. You probably have most of these spices lurking in your pantry already! That’s the beauty of focusing on simple chicken recipes. No fancy, hard to find items here.
- 1 1/2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- 1 1/2 Tbsp (24g) Olive Oil, divided
For The Buffalo Seasoning
- 1/2 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Dry Mustard
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s as easy as pie. Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious easy chicken breast recipes ready in no time.
Step 1: Prep The Chicken
First things first, grab your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You’ll want to cut them into bite size pieces. Think about what size you’d like to eat easily with a fork. Once cut, toss them into a bowl and drizzle with 1 Tbsp (16g) of olive oil. Make sure every piece is fully coated. This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken juicy.
Step 2: Season It Up
Now for the flavor! In a small bowl, mix all your buffalo spices together: smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Then, add this amazing spice blend to your chicken. Stir well again, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated in that vibrant seasoning.
Step 3: Get Cooking
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1/2 Tbsp (8g) of olive oil to the pan. Once that oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add your seasoned chicken pieces. Spread them out evenly across the skillet so they have room to cook without steaming. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden.
Step 4: Rest And Serve
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, transfer it to a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This little resting period is a game changer, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring your chicken stays tender and moist. It’s a trick that elevates even the most simple chicken recipes.
Step 5: Optional Veggie Boost
Want to make this a more complete meal? Here’s a pro tip: before you add the chicken back to the skillet, pan fry some quartered baby potatoes or other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini with an extra 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil. Cook them until tender crisp, then add your cooked chicken bites back to the skillet and toss everything together. It’s a fantastic way to get your veggies in with your chicken breast recipes healthy style!
How To Store Leftovers
Let’s be real, sometimes there are leftovers, and that’s a good thing! These chicken bites store wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or quick lunches the next day. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before putting them away.
Transfer any leftover chicken to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them gently in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave. They’re a lifesaver for those busy afternoons when you need a quick bite.
These leftovers are also great to transform into other meals. Think about making a quick salad or a wrap with this flavorful chicken. It’s another way these easy chicken breast recipes keep on giving!
Tips
Want to take your chicken bites to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to make sure your easy chicken breast recipes are always a hit.
Seasoning Swaps: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Don’t love buffalo? No problem! You can swap the buffalo seasoning for any of your favorite spice blends. Just remember to 1.5x the seasoning blend if you’re using a prepackaged one, to account for the 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breast used here. Think lemon herb, smoky BBQ, or even a simple Italian blend for totally different vibes. This makes them truly versatile chicken breast dinner ideas easy to customize.
Perfect Pairing: These chicken bites are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them with a simple green salad, some fluffy rice, quinoa, or even roasted vegetables. If you’re keeping it low carb, cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli would be excellent choices for a truly chicken breast recipes healthy meal.
Meal Prep Magic: This recipe is a meal prep dream! Cook a larger batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out for lunches. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. You can even shred some of the cooked chicken to use in sandwiches or salads, giving you some delicious shredded chicken recipes for later.
Don’t Overcrowd The Pan: This is a crucial tip for getting that lovely sear on your chicken. If you crowd the skillet, the chicken will steam instead of brown. If you’re making a double batch, cook the chicken in two separate batches to ensure each piece gets that perfect golden crust.
Conclusion
There you have it! A fantastic, no fuss recipe that proves easy chicken breast recipes don’t have to be boring or bland. This dish is packed with flavor, comes together in a flash, and is incredibly adaptable to your tastes and what you have on hand.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, these chicken bites are a perfect addition to your weeknight rotation. They’re truly one of those simple chicken recipes that everyone will love. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a delicious, stress free meal!
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten free as long as your spices do not contain any hidden gluten ingredients. Always double check your spice labels to be sure. It’s one of the great things about these chicken breast recipes healthy for many dietary needs.
What If I Don’t Have All The Spices?
No worries! While the buffalo seasoning blend is fantastic, you can definitely use a pre made chicken seasoning or your favorite spice mix. Just remember to use about 1.5 times the amount of seasoning for 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breast. It keeps these easy chicken breast recipes flexible.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you certainly can! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe. They might take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to chicken breast, so just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This is a great alternative if you prefer the richer flavor of dark meat.
How Can I Make This Spicier?
If you love a good kick, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet while cooking or drizzle with a bit of hot sauce before serving. These are simple ways to amp up the heat in your simple chicken recipes.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Bites
Ready in under 20 minutes, these Buffalo Chicken Bites are the perfect quick and tasty weeknight dinner. A simple, no-fuss recipe packed with flavor that the whole family will love.
Requirements
Ingredients
For The Buffalo Seasoning
Instructions
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and drizzle with 1 Tbsp of olive oil, tossing to coat each piece fully.
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken and stir well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it tender and juicy.
Notes
Don’t Overcrowd The Pan: For a perfect sear, cook the chicken in batches if needed. This prevents the chicken from steaming and helps it get a nice golden crust.
Seasoning Swaps: Feel free to swap the buffalo seasoning for your favorite spice blend. Lemon herb, smoky BBQ, or an Italian blend would all be tasty alternatives.
Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days for quick lunches or dinners.
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