Are you tired of dry, flavorless chicken cubes? I’ve been there too! Learning how to cook diced chicken in the oven was a total game-changer for my meal prep routine. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the whole week, mastering this simple cooking technique will save you tons of time and deliver delicious results every single time.
Why Oven-Baked Diced Chicken Is a Must-Know Technique
Before I dive into the specifics let’s talk about why baking diced chicken in the oven is such a valuable skill to have in your cooking arsenal
- It’s hands-off cooking – pop it in the oven and go do something else!
- Creates perfectly cooked chicken with minimal effort
- Great for meal prepping several portions at once
- More even cooking than stovetop methods
- Healthier option with less oil than pan-frying
- Versatile protein for countless recipes
The Perfect Oven-Baked Diced Chicken Recipe
Let’s get right to it! Here’s my foolproof method for cooking diced chicken in the oven that delivers juicy, flavorful results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or your favorite spice blend
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) – this higher temperature gives a nice golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
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Prep the chicken. Cut your chicken into even, bite-sized cubes (aim for about 1-inch pieces). Remember, evenly sized pieces are key for consistent cooking!
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Pat dry the chicken pieces with paper towels. This helps them sear rather than steam and gives better browning
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Season generously. Place the diced chicken in a mixing bowl, add olive oil and your seasonings. Toss well to coat each piece evenly. For basic chicken, just salt and pepper works great, but don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings!
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Prepare your baking sheet. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and give it a light spray with non-stick cooking spray.
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Arrange chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the pieces aren’t touching or overcrowded – this ensures proper air circulation and even cooking.
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Bake for 16-20 minutes, stirring or flipping the pieces halfway through. The exact time depends on the size of your chicken pieces.
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Check for doneness. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check!
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Optional crispiness boost: For more golden, crispy edges, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
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Rest before serving, Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to retain its juices
Pro Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Diced Chicken
After lots of trial and error (and some seriously dry chicken disasters!), I’ve learned these key tips:
- Cut pieces evenly – This is probably THE most important factor for evenly cooked chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Give those chicken pieces some space! Crowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer – Takes the guesswork out and prevents overcooking.
- Add some fat – A little olive oil or butter helps keep the chicken moist.
- Season generously – Chicken loves flavor, so don’t be shy with the seasonings!
- Consider marinating – Even 15 minutes in a simple marinade can boost flavor.
Cooking Time Comparison: Oven vs. Stovetop vs. Air Fryer
Different methods yield different results! Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the right method for your needs:
| Cooking Method | Cooking Time | Temperature | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 16-20 minutes | 425°F | Even cooking, hands-off, good for large batches |
| Stovetop | 5-7 minutes | Medium-high heat | Quick, good sear, more control |
| Air Fryer | 10-12 minutes | 380°F | Extra crispy exterior, fast, energy efficient |
Flavor Variations to Try
Plain chicken is fine, but let’s get creative! Here are some of my favorite seasoning combos:
- Classic Italian: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese
- Tex-Mex: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
- Asian-Inspired: Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, touch of honey
- Mediterranean: Oregano, lemon zest, olive oil, black pepper
- Spicy Kick: Cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
What to Make With Oven-Baked Diced Chicken
Now that you’ve mastered cooking diced chicken in the oven, the possibilities are endless! Here are some quick and easy ways to use your perfectly cooked chicken cubes:
- Add to pasta dishes or mac and cheese for extra protein
- Top salads for a filling lunch
- Stuff into wraps or sandwiches
- Mix into stir-fried vegetables
- Add to soups or stews
- Make quick chicken tacos or quesadillas
- Create hearty grain bowls with rice or quinoa
- Use in chicken pot pies for a shortcut
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about cooking diced chicken in the oven is how well it works for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat your chicken:
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in zip-top bags for up to 3 months. I like to freeze in single-serving portions for easy thawing!
Reheating
- Microwave: Use short bursts at medium power, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Stovetop: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best intentions, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are solutions to common problems:
Dry Chicken
- You probably overcooked it. Next time, check the temperature earlier or use slightly larger pieces.
- Try brining the chicken for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Make sure you’re not cutting the chicken too small.
Undercooked Chicken
- Your pieces might be too large or unevenly sized.
- Your oven temperature might be off (worth checking with an oven thermometer).
- You might need to increase cooking time.
Chicken Sticking to the Pan
- Make sure you’re using enough oil or cooking spray.
- Check that your parchment paper or foil is properly covering the pan.
FAQs About Cooking Diced Chicken in the Oven
Q: Can I cook frozen diced chicken in the oven?
A: I don’t recommend it. Thaw your chicken first for even cooking. Cooking from frozen often results in overcooked exteriors and potentially undercooked centers.
Q: How do I know when my chicken is done without a thermometer?
A: Cut into the thickest piece – the meat should be white throughout with no pink, and the juices should run clear. But honestly, a meat thermometer is worth the investment!
Q: Is it better to use chicken breast or thighs for diced chicken?
A: Both work great! Chicken breasts are leaner but can dry out more easily. Chicken thighs have more fat, staying juicier but adding a few more calories.
Q: Can I cook vegetables along with my diced chicken?
A: Yes, but choose vegetables that cook in about the same time (like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli cut small). For root vegetables that take longer, give them a head start before adding the chicken.
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to cook diced chicken in the oven is seriously one of the most useful kitchen skills I’ve learned. It’s a technique I use at least weekly for meal prepping, and it’s transformed my weeknight dinner game.
The beauty of oven-baked diced chicken is its versatility – once you’ve got the basic technique down, you can customize it endlessly with different seasonings, marinades, and uses. From simple salad toppers to elaborate casseroles, this protein-packed ingredient will never let you down.
Remember, the key factors for success are even-sized pieces, proper temperature, and not overcooking. Nail those three things, and you’ll have perfect oven-baked diced chicken every single time!
Now go forth and conquer your kitchen with this super versatile protein option. Your meal prep game is about to reach a whole new level!
Max Foster’s Chicken Soup
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many calories in Diced Chicken Breast?
There are 100 calories in each 3 oz. serving of Foster Farms Diced Chicken.
How much protein in Diced Chicken Breast?
There are 19 grams of protein in each 3 oz. serving of Foster Farms Diced Chicken.
How can you cook Diced Chicken Breast?
You can cook Foster Farms Diced Chicken in the microwave or on the stove.
The label no antibiotics ever on meat products means that the animals raised for that meat have never received any antibiotics during their lifetime. This label assures consumers that the meat is free from any antibiotics, including both therapeutic and preventative use. To ensure the credibility of no antibiotics ever claims, there are certifications and regulations in place.
*Minimally processed, no artificial ingredients
†Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones or steroids in poultry.
††Foster Farms Organic poultry is fed a diet that contains non-genetically engineered ingredients. USDA organic regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered feed ingredients in poultry products labeled as Organic.
Serving Size 3 oz (84g)
Chicken breast with rib meat, water, contains 2% or less of natural flavors, food starch, salt, yeast extract, torula yeast.