Description
Spicy Cajun chicken bites deliver a bold Louisiana-style flavor explosion perfect for snacking or party appetizers. Crispy, golden nuggets packed with zesty spices promise a mouthwatering experience that will keep guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking and Garnishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for dipping
- Fresh lemon or lime wedges
Instructions
- Cleanse chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed.
- Transfer chicken to a spacious mixing vessel and liberally coat with olive oil, allowing each morsel to glisten with a light, protective sheen.
- Create a robust spice blend by generously sprinkling Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne across the chicken pieces.
- Massage the seasonings into the meat, guaranteeing comprehensive and uniform coverage of every chicken bite.
- Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high flame, introducing a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent adherence.
- Carefully arrange chicken pieces in a single, uncrowded layer, allowing sufficient space between each morsel for optimal browning.
- Sear chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, rotating once a golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C.
- Transfer expertly cooked bites to a serving platter, embellishing with freshly chopped parsley or delicate green onion rings.
- Accompany the spicy morsels with a zesty citrus wedge and preferred dipping sauce for an enhanced culinary experience.
Notes
- Always pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and better spice adherence.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance for a customized spice level.
- For a low-carb version, skip flour and cook directly in a hot skillet to maintain protein-focused meal.
- Baking or air frying works perfectly as alternative cooking methods, offering healthier preparation with same delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg