Cajun Baked Chicken Bites - A Sprinkling of Cayenne

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My Cajun baked chicken bites put a delectable main dish on your dinner table in just 30 minutes, y’all!! Super tender, juicy, and flavorful, this skillet of South Louisiana-seasoned scrumptiousness is a weeknight-friendly dish that doubles as a game-day and holiday standout. Yep and yay…

Cajun baked chicken bites in a red enameled cast iron skillet alongside flowers and a green napkin.

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Cajun Baked Chicken Bites are Luscious Little Bites of Food Bliss

Cajun baked chicken bites feature seasoned cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts roasted in the oven with a bit of oil and butter. This beginner-cook-friendly recipe has a quick prep and cook time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

My version includes pounding the poultry with a meat mallet. This simple but highly effective step ensures that each piece is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Then I coat each piece with a few distinctive Cajun seasonings and a bit of lemon pepper, which adds a zing to each bite. I also include cornstarch, which lends a subtle crunch to each bite.

The result is flavor-fabulous Cajun chicken bites that the whole family will love -and that you can use to wow your guests at get-togethers, parties, and special-occasion events. Indeed.

What to Serve With Cajun Baked Chicken Bites

Cajun baked chicken bites are super versatile. So, you can serve them with several scrumptious side dishes.

Try them with your favorite side, or shake things up with some of my top picks:

Cajun Smothered Potatoes. Each earthy, comforting bite of this classic side pairs perfectly with Cajun baked chicken bites. Use this combination for Sunday dinners and family get-togethers.
Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower. This easy side is light and delicious, making it ideal for pairing with the bites on weeknights. Cook the veggies first, then keep them warm while the chicken bakes in the oven.
Cajun Creamed Spinach. This delectable dish adds a luxurious touch to the meal when served alongside the main dish, making it a special occasion side dish star that shines bright on holidays.
Cajun Smothered Green Beans with Sausage. One of my very favorite classic South Louisiana dishes is worthy of sharing the spotlight with Cajun baked chicken bites. The pairing is hearty and incredibly flavorful, a match made in food heaven for ANY occasion, including buffet-style gatherings like game days and potlucks.
Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes. My version of this beloved side contains 7 ounces of smoked Gouda. So, pairing this super-creamy, incredibly comforting side with baked Cajun chicken bites is a sophisticated choice that’s great for romantic dinners and upscale foodie events.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the leftover Cajun baked chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze a batch in vacuum-sealed bags for up to one month.

Top Recipe Tip

It only takes 10 minutes to shave half of the prep time off of this recipe. To do so, cube the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and refrigerate them overnight before making the recipe.

Then bring them down to room temperature before cooking. This tempering of the chicken will ensure that all of the pieces bake evenly in the oven.

Cajun baked chicken bites in a white oval serving dish.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Labeled ingredients for baked Cajun chicken bites in bowls on a white marbled background.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts absorb the seasonings well and bake up to succulent, tender juiciness in just minutes. You can also use boneless, skinless thighs or chicken tenders if that’s what you have on hand.
Dried Cajun spices are easy to come by and keep on hand for soooo many recipes.
Cornstarch crisps up the baked Cajun chicken bites just enough to give them their restaurant-quality taste and texture. You can also use any other flour that you have on hand, including tapioca starch and all-purpose flour.
Olive oil and butter add rich flavor and a silky texture to the oven-baked chicken bites. Use both if at all possible, but in a pinch, use only butter.
Fresh parsley and green onion garnishes enhance the taste and presentation of the dish. I add them if company is coming over, but usually not when I’m just serving a regular meal.

How to Make Cajun Baked Chicken Bites

Preheat the oven.

Pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet. Then, chop them into small pieces.

Place into a bowl, then cover with the Cajun spices, lemon pepper, and cornstarch.

Dried seasonings over chicken breast cubes in a large vintage white mixing bowl.

Toss until thoroughly combined.

Seasoned boneless skinless chicken breast in a bowl.

Pour half of the high-heat olive oil and the butter into a large cast iron skillet. You can also use a sheet pan or baking dish.

Butter and oil on the bottom of an enameled cast iron skillet.

Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer along the bottom of the pan.

Seasoned chicken pieces in a cast iron skillet.

Top with the remaining butter and olive oil.

Finally, bake the Cajun chicken bites until a digital meat thermometer inserted into them reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

The last stage of making seasoned Cajun baked chicken bites right before they go into the oven with butter and olive oil on top.

And that’s it, y’all!!

These Cajun baked chicken bites are so incredibly scrumptious that it’s almost unbelievable how easy they are to make!! The spices covering each piece are harmoniously on point. And, the richness from the oil and butter gives each bite a restaurant-quality finish that’s just as delicious as it is impressive.

This is definitely a delicious meal that hits the spot on a busy night, and serves as just the thing you needed to make your event table spread complete. For sure!!

Share these baked Cajun chicken bites with those who are just as humble in spirit as they are heroic of heart. Much food love, and see y’all on the yum side…

A closeup image of Cajun baked chicken bites in a red enameled cast iron skillet.

More Cajun Chicken Recipes

Variations

If you don’t have Cajun spices on hand, then you can make another variation of the recipe using what you do have.

Mexican chicken bites with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika are a delicious variation with a bit of extra heat.
Hawaiian chicken bites feature ginger, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic, and red pepper flakes. You can also add a bit of pineapple juice to the bottom of the baking dish to further enhance the tropical flavor of the bites.
Chinese chicken bites with five-spice powder are exotic bites of deliciousness that are easy to whip up at a moment’s notice.

Faqs

Are Cajun Baked Chicken Bites a Good Make-Ahead Dish?

Yes, they are. Bring the baked bites down to room temperature, then store covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, bring them down to room temperature and reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes for the best results. You can also microwave them for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring them after each minute.

Are Cajun Chicken Bites Spicy?

No, they are highly flavorful but not spicy. If you want them to be spicy, serve them with hot sauce.

Is This Recipe Beginner-Friendly?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for those who are learning to cook. It’s easy to make and includes just a few ingredients, many of which are common pantry staples.

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast

For the Butter Sauce

2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil I use high-heat

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Place the chunks into a large mixing bowl, then cover with the seasoning mixture. Toss until well combined.
Place half of the butter and olive oil on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the seasoned chicken breast pieces on top of the mixture, then drizzle the remaining butter and oil over the top.
Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pieces reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Use chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of the breasts, but check on them after 10 minutes to ensure that they do not overcook.

The information shown is an estimate provided by a third-party, online computer-generated nutrition calculator, not a registered dietitian or certified nutritionist. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods and individual portion sizes, along with other factors.

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