Description
Spicy Cajun chicken bites deliver a zesty explosion of southern flavors from Louisiana’s culinary traditions. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make these appetizers perfect for gatherings you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 tbsps Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsps olive oil or melted butter
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for dipping
- Fresh lemon or lime wedges
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior during cooking.
- Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil over chicken, then sprinkle Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Thoroughly massage spices into every piece, creating a uniform, flavorful coating.
- Searing: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of cooking oil. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each bite for proper browning.
- Cooking: Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once a golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C, guaranteeing fully cooked, juicy morsels.
- Serving: Transfer cooked chicken bites to a platter, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Accompany with citrus wedges and a complementary dipping sauce for a vibrant, zesty presentation.
Notes
- Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Pat chicken completely dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Even Seasoning Distribution: Massage spices meticulously into each chicken piece, creating consistent flavor throughout every bite.
- Avoid Overcrowding Pan: Space chicken pieces separately to guarantee proper caramelization and prevent soggy, steamed texture.
- Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden crust without burning external layer while ensuring internal chicken temperature reaches safe 165°F.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg