Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: the utterly delicious and incredibly easy to prepare Everything Chicken Bites! Imagine succulent, tender pieces of chicken, perfectly seasoned with that iconic ‘Everything But The Bagel’ blend, then pan-seared to a beautiful golden brown. These bite-sized chicken nuggets are not just a meal; they’re an experience, especially when paired with a creamy, fresh basil hummus for dipping. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a healthy snack, these chicken bites are guaranteed to hit the spot and become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
The magic behind these irresistible chicken bites lies in the seasoning. “Everything But The Bagel” seasoning, often simply referred to as ‘everything seasoning,’ has taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason! This famous bagel topping transcends its origin, offering a symphony of savory, garlicky, oniony, and nutty flavors that elevate almost any dish. It’s truly too delicious to reserve solely for bagels.
Beyond its classic use, I find myself sprinkling this versatile spice mix on everything from cream cheese-topped toast and fluffy scrambled eggs to roasted vegetables. It even adds an unexpected layer of flavor to comforting dishes like my super easy mac and cheese recipe. But where it truly shines is in these Everything Chicken Bites. Each piece of chicken gets generously coated, creating a texture and flavor explosion that’s both familiar and exciting. And trust me, dipping them in creamy basil hummus is a game-changer!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes these Everything Chicken Bites so special, from understanding the seasoning blend itself to perfecting the cooking technique. We’ll explore ingredient choices, offer expert tips for achieving the best results, answer common questions, and provide inspiration for serving. Get ready to transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary delight!
What Exactly is Everything But The Bagel Spice Mix?
At its heart, Everything But The Bagel seasoning is a beautifully balanced, multi-purpose spice blend renowned for its unique combination of savory, toasty, and slightly pungent notes. It’s a delightful mix that offers a satisfying crunch and an explosion of flavor in every bite. This iconic seasoning typically consists of:
- Poppy Seeds: Providing a subtle nutty flavor and a distinct textural pop.
- White and Black Sesame Seeds: Contributing a rich, earthy, and nutty depth, along with a satisfying crunch. The combination adds visual appeal and complex flavor.
- Dried Minced Onions: Delivering a sweet, pungent, and savory onion flavor without the moisture of fresh onions.
- Dried Minced Garlic: Infusing a bold, aromatic, and savory garlic punch that is essential to the blend’s profile.
- Kosher Salt: Tying all the flavors together with a perfect saline balance, enhancing the overall taste experience.
The beauty of this spice mix lies in its simplicity and the harmonious way these ingredients come together to create a flavor profile that is simultaneously familiar and addictive. While you can certainly find many delicious pre-made brands of everything bagel seasoning at your local grocery store or online, there’s a special satisfaction in mixing up a homemade batch. Making it yourself allows you to customize the ratios to your preference – perhaps a little extra garlic, or more sesame seeds for added crunch. Whichever route you choose, store your versatile spice mix in an airtight container, and it will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months, ready to sprinkle on countless dishes.
Essential Ingredients for Your Everything Chicken Bites
Crafting these irresistible Everything Chicken Bites requires only a handful of fresh ingredients and, of course, that incredible seasoning blend. The result is a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and potential substitutions:
- For the Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning (or use store-bought):
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds provide a delicate crunch and nutty undertone.
- White Sesame Seeds: Offer a classic nutty flavor and light color.
- Black Sesame Seeds: Add a deeper nutty flavor and beautiful visual contrast.
- Dried Minced Onions: Crucial for that savory, slightly sweet onion punch.
- Dried Minced Garlic: Delivers the pungent, aromatic heart of the seasoning.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the blend and enhancing all the flavors.
- Chicken Tenderloins: My top choice for this recipe due to their inherent tenderness and consistent size, which ensures even cooking.
- Substitutions: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are excellent alternatives. If using breasts, cut them into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Thighs will offer a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture. Ensure all chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Cornstarch: This is a key ingredient for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy on the inside. It forms a light coating that helps the seasoning adhere.
- Substitution: While cornstarch is preferred for its crisping properties, you could use arrowroot powder or a small amount of all-purpose flour in a pinch, though the texture might vary slightly.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping the cornstarch and then the seasoning adhere effectively to the chicken pieces. When beaten, it creates a light wash.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken to achieve that desirable golden crust. A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds to the overall flavor.
- Substitution: Any high smoke point oil like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil will work well for cooking.
- Garden Fresh Basil Hummus for Serving: The vibrant, herbaceous notes of basil hummus complement the savory chicken beautifully. It adds a fresh, creamy element to the dish.
- Substitution: If basil hummus isn’t available or preferred, any plain or roasted garlic hummus would be delicious.
- Sliced Cucumber and Bell Pepper for Serving: These provide a refreshing crunch and a burst of color, balancing the richness of the chicken and hummus.
- Substitutions: Feel free to get creative with your dippers! Other great options include carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, pita chips, crackers, or even celery sticks.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions for Crispy & Flavorful Everything Chicken Bites
Creating these delightful Everything Chicken Bites is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these simple steps for perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken every time.
Prepare the Everything Seasoning
Begin by preparing your Everything But The Bagel seasoning. In a small bowl, measure out your poppy seeds, white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and kosher salt. Stir them together until thoroughly combined. This recipe is designed to make a generous batch of the seasoning, typically more than what you’ll need for just this chicken dish. This is a bonus, as you’ll want to use the extra spice mix on everything! Store any leftover seasoning in an airtight container in your pantry for future culinary adventures.
Coat the Chicken
Next, prepare your chicken. If using chicken tenderloins, you may only need to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces. If you’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, ensure they are cut into approximately 1-inch cubes. This uniformity is crucial for ensuring all the chicken cooks evenly.
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss thoroughly until every piece is completely coated. The cornstarch acts as a tenderizer and creates a light crust, which is essential for browning and locking in juices.
Now, add your beaten large egg to the cornstarch-coated chicken. Stir well, making sure all the chicken pieces are evenly covered with the egg wash. This sticky layer will help the seasoning adhere beautifully.
Finally, add a generous amount (about 6 tablespoons) of your homemade Everything But The Bagel seasoning to the coated chicken. Give it a good stir, ensuring that each chicken piece is completely covered with the aromatic spice mix. The more coating, the more flavor!
Cook to Perfection
Heat a large sauté pan or a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up until it begins to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough for cooking. A properly heated pan is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
Carefully add the seasoned chicken bites to the hot pan in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and lead to steaming instead of searing. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches.
Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the bottom side is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Resist the urge to stir or flip too early, as this prevents a good crust from forming. Once golden, flip each piece of chicken over and continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the delicious Everything Chicken Bites from the pan and transfer them to a platter. They are now ready to be served and enjoyed!
Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Everything Chicken Bites
Achieving perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful Everything Chicken Bites is easy with a few simple techniques. Keep these expert tips in mind to elevate your cooking:
- Uniformity is Key: Whether you’re using chicken tenderloins, breasts, or thighs, ensure all pieces are cut into roughly the same bite-sized dimensions. This consistency guarantees that every piece cooks at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked or overcooked. Chicken tenderloins are a fantastic choice because they are naturally uniform and incredibly tender.
- Hot Pan, Hot Oil: Always allow your sauté pan to heat thoroughly and the oil to shimmer before adding the chicken. A hot pan ensures an immediate sear, creating that desirable golden-brown crust and locking in the chicken’s juices. Adding chicken to a cold or lukewarm pan will result in a less crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is a crucial step for crispy chicken. If you add too many chicken pieces to the pan at once, the temperature will drop rapidly, and the chicken will steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s enough space between pieces for proper heat circulation and browning.
- Resist the Urge to Stir: For optimal browning, avoid constantly stirring or flipping the chicken. Let each side cook undisturbed for several minutes until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. This patience will be rewarded with superior texture and flavor.
- Check for Doneness: The safest way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is by using an instant-read digital thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a platter and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Experiment with Heat: While pan-frying offers a fantastic crust, these chicken bites are also versatile enough for other cooking methods. Consider air frying or baking for a hands-off approach (see FAQ section for air fryer details).
Frequently Asked Questions About Everything Chicken Bites
Here are some common questions about making and serving Everything Chicken Bites:
Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic method for these chicken bites, offering a crispy exterior with minimal oil. To cook in an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read digital thermometer.
While basil hummus is a phenomenal pairing, the versatility of these chicken bites means they’ll complement a wide array of dips. Get creative! Some delicious options include classic ranch dressing, tangy blue cheese dip, creamy Thousand Island dressing, or a vibrant cilantro lime dipping sauce. For an extra kick, try a sriracha mayo or a sweet chili sauce. The goal is to balance the savory, garlicky chicken with a complementary flavor profile.
While they are best enjoyed fresh off the pan, you can certainly do some prep work in advance. You can mix the Everything But The Bagel seasoning and store it in an airtight container. You can also cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, coat and cook the chicken just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and flavor.
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method is to use an air fryer or oven to help restore their crispiness. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crispy. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them rubbery.
Absolutely! The ‘Everything But The Bagel’ seasoning is incredibly versatile. You can apply the same coating method to shrimp, tofu, pork tenderloin, or even firm white fish for equally delicious results. For vegetables, toss chopped broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or even potatoes with olive oil and the seasoning before roasting or air frying. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas
These Everything Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a variety of meals and occasions. Here are some ideas to help you create a complete and delicious spread:
- As a Main Course: Serve a generous portion of chicken bites alongside your favorite side dishes. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans would complement the flavors beautifully. For a heartier meal, pair them with fluffy rice, quinoa, or even a side of mashed potatoes.
- Party Appetizers: Skewer the chicken bites with toothpicks for easy handling and arrange them on a platter with multiple dipping sauces. This makes them perfect for parties, game nights, or casual get-togethers.
- Healthy Lunch or Snack: Pack them in a lunchbox with some raw veggies and a small container of hummus for a nutritious and satisfying meal on the go. They are also great as a post-workout snack due to their high protein content.
- In Wraps or Sandwiches: Shred or chop the cooked chicken bites and use them as a flavorful filling for wraps, pita bread, or slider buns. Add some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a quick and easy sandwich.
- Salad Topper: Add a burst of flavor and protein to any salad by topping it with these crispy chicken bites. They pair particularly well with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed these Everything Chicken Bites, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of chicken recipes offers a wide range of flavors and cooking styles. Here are some more favorites to inspire your next meal:
- Parmesan Everything Bagel Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- French Onion Chicken Bake
- Naan with Butter Chicken
- Tex-Mex Chicken and Bean Tortilla Stacks
- Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
- Easy One Pan Lemon Chicken
- Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Toasted Almonds
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Recipe Card
Everything Chicken Bites
5 from 10 votes
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 pounds chicken tenders cut in bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Garden Fresh Basil Hummus for serving
- sliced cucumbers and bell peppers for serving
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine the poppy seeds, white and black sesame seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and kosher salt. Stir well to create your Everything But The Bagel seasoning blend. Set aside.
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In a separate medium bowl, place the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss thoroughly until all chicken pieces are completely coated.
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Add the beaten large egg to the cornstarch-coated chicken and stir until the chicken is completely covered with the egg wash.
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Sprinkle the chicken generously with 6 tablespoons of the prepared Everything But The Bagel seasoning. Toss again to ensure all chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the spice mix. Store any remaining seasoning in an airtight container for future use.
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Heat a large sauté pan (or cast-iron skillet) over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil begins to shimmer, carefully add the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on the first side, or until a deep golden brown crust forms. Flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Remove the cooked chicken to a serving platter. Serve immediately with a side of Garden Fresh Basil Hummus for dipping, along with fresh sliced cucumbers and bell peppers for a refreshing accompaniment.
Video
Notes
- Everything But The Bagel seasoning is incredibly versatile. While you can certainly use a pre-made blend from the store, mixing your own allows for customization. Feel free to adjust the amounts of dried minced garlic, poppy seeds, or other spices to suit your taste preference.
- To ensure even cooking, cut all your chicken pieces into uniform, bite-sized shapes. Chicken tenderloins are an excellent choice due to their natural tenderness and consistent size. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can also be used, just ensure they are cut evenly.
- Always make sure your cooking oil is hot before adding the chicken to the sauté pan. This is key for achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior and helps to seal in the chicken’s natural juices.
- For the best browning and crust development, resist the urge to constantly stir or flip the chicken while it’s cooking. Allow each side to cook undisturbed until it develops a beautiful golden hue.