Savory Maple Chicken Bites
Savor the delectable flavor of Savory Maple Chicken Bites, a delightful twist on a classic dish that's perfect for lunch or as a savory snack. This recipe showcases juicy pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast, seasoned to perfection and seared until golden brown. The chicken is then coated in a luscious maple glaze combining sweet maple syrup, buttery richness, and a hint of zesty Dijon mustard. Perfectly balanced with a hint of warm spices, these bite-sized morsels are ideal for dipping or serving alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Paprika
1 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (fresh coarse ground)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 - 1.25 lbs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Maple Syrup
2 tablespoons (pure)
Butter or Margarine
1 tablespoon (unsalted)
Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon (smooth)
Instructions
1
In a large ziplock bag, combine the paprika, salt, ground cinnamon, cumin, and freshly ground black pepper.
2
Add the 1-inch pieces of boneless skinless chicken breast to the bag. Seal the bag and shake gently until the chicken is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
3
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil if necessary. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on all sides.
4
Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm on a plate, covered with foil.
5
Lower the heat to low and in the same skillet, add the maple syrup, butter (or margarine), and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine and allow the sauce to simmer for a minute to meld the flavors.
6
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat the pieces evenly in the maple glaze.
7
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Maple Chicken Bites?
Savory Maple Chicken Bites are juicy pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast seasoned with warm spices and coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made of maple syrup, butter, and Dijon mustard.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is recommended, cut into 1-inch pieces for quick and even cooking.
How should I prepare the chicken for seasoning?
Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large ziplock bag with the spice mixture to ensure an even coating.
What spices are used in the seasoning mix?
The seasoning includes paprika, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and freshly ground black pepper.
How do I ensure the chicken is evenly coated?
By shaking the chicken pieces inside a sealed ziplock bag with the spices, you can achieve a uniform and thorough coating.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken takes approximately 10 minutes to cook in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally.
What heat setting should I use?
Use medium heat for browning the chicken and lower the heat to low when preparing and tossing the chicken in the maple glaze.
Do I need to add oil to the skillet?
Yes, you should add a little oil to the skillet if necessary to prevent the chicken from sticking and to help it brown properly.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead?
This recipe is specifically designed for boneless chicken bites; using bone-in chicken would significantly increase the cooking time and change the texture.
What are the ingredients in the maple glaze?
The glaze is a simple and delicious combination of pure maple syrup, butter (or margarine), and smooth Dijon mustard.
Is the maple glaze spicy?
No, the glaze is sweet and savory with a slight tang from the Dijon mustard, but it is not spicy.
Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?
While honey can be used, it will result in a different flavor profile; pure maple syrup is recommended for the signature taste.
What can I use as a substitute for Dijon mustard?
You can substitute Dijon with yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard, though Dijon provides the most balanced zest for this glaze.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine depending on your preference or dietary needs.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is golden brown on all sides, no longer pink in the middle, and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Can I bake the chicken instead of skillet-frying?
While pan-searing provides the best texture, you can bake the chicken at 400 degrees F until cooked, then toss it in the glaze prepared in a pan.
What makes this recipe an easy option?
It uses common pantry staples, requires minimal prep work using the ziplock bag method, and cooks in just 10 minutes.
What sides pair well with Savory Maple Chicken Bites?
They are best served alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced and complete meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but always check your Dijon mustard and spice labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat the chicken?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the glaze, or microwave until warmed through.
Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will provide a slightly juicier and richer flavor than breast meat.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet maple glaze and bite-sized pieces make this a very popular choice for children.
How much chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 1 to 1.25 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but the chicken must be completely thawed and patted dry before being cut and coated in the spice mixture.
What fresh herbs are recommended for garnish?
Freshly chopped parsley, chives, or thyme are excellent options to add a pop of color and freshness.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
It can be made dairy-free by using a dairy-free margarine or a plant-based butter substitute in the glaze.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but ensure you cook the chicken in batches so the skillet isn't overcrowded.
What type of paprika should I use?
Standard sweet paprika works well, but you can use smoked paprika if you want to add a deeper, smoky dimension to the flavor.
Can I serve these as an appetizer?
Absolutely, these bite-sized morsels work perfectly as a savory snack or appetizer when served with toothpicks.