2lbsboneless, skinless chicken breastsliced into 1" cubes
Avocado oil cooking sprayor olive oil spray
2tsppaprikayou can use smoked paprika for a smokey BBQ flavor
½tspcayenne pepper*for less heat use 1/4- 1/8 tsp *see notes for other recommendations
1tspgarlic powder
1tsponion powder
1.5tspsalt
1/2tspblack pepper
2tbspavocado oilcan also use olive oil
2-3tbspbuttersliced into small pieces
*Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 420 degrees F. and spray a 9x13 baking dish with avocado oil spray.
In a small bowl, whisk together: paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt. and pepper until combined.
Spread the chicken pieces, evenly, in the greased baking dish and drizzle the avocado oil on top.
Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chicken and toss well to evenly coat all pieces.
Place the pieces of sliced butter on top.
Bake, uncovered, for 8 minutes. Stir well, and cook for 8-10 minutes more until chicken reaches a safe 165 degrees F.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices and serve with pan juices over rice or with your favorite buffalo or BBQ sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Cool down the heat – If you prefer spicy chicken bites on the milder side, use less cayenne or omit it entirely. You can also swap it with ancho chili powder for a sweet, earthy dimension with less spicy heat, or use dried buffalo seasoning (Franks and Kinders make good ones) in place of the cayenne and paprika.Add smoky flavor – Opt for good quality smoked paprika over regular paprika to give the chicken bites rich, smoky BBQ undertones, and pair them with BBQ sauce for dipping. Toss in sauce – Add the baked chicken bites to a mixing bowl with buffalo sauce, Korean BBQ, teriyaki, or your favorite wing sauce. Then toss until they’re drenched in the sauce like boneless chicken wings.“Chicken on a stick” – Before cooking, for a fun handheld version, thread the raw, seasoned chicken chunks on skewers with bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. For grilling guidance, head to my grilled honey chicken kabobs recipe.