Why You’ll Love Skillet Cajun Chicken Bites Recipe
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It comes together in about 20 minutes — ideal for a fast dinner.
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It requires only a single pan, making cleanup easy.
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The Cajun seasoning packs a savory punch, and you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fresh chicken tenders (or chicken cut of your choice)
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Butter
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Cajun seasoning (or store-bought Cajun spice)
If making your own Cajun seasoning blend, you’ll also need:
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Sea salt
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Black pepper
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Paprika
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Crushed red pepper
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Ground cumin
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Cayenne pepper
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Onion powder
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Garlic powder
Directions
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Cut the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch).
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Generously coat the chicken pieces with your Cajun seasoning blend (or store-bought spice).
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Heat a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the butter and allow it to melt.
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Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer (do not overcrowd — cook in batches if needed).
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Cook for about 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165 °F / 74 °C).
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Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4 people
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 8 minutes
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Total time: ~15–20 minutes
Variations
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Use chicken breast, thighs, or tenders — whatever you have on hand. Adjust cook time slightly if using thicker cuts.
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For milder flavor: reduce or omit the cayenne and crushed red pepper.
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Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers or onions for a more complete skillet meal.
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Try a garlic-butter twist: after cooking, toss the chicken in melted butter with garlic and a squeeze of lemon for extra richness and depth.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through to keep the chicken tender (microwaving is okay, but may dry out the meat).
FAQs
How spicy is this dish by default?
By default, it’s moderately spicy. The homemade Cajun seasoning includes crushed red pepper and cayenne. If you prefer milder chicken bites, simply reduce or skip those spices.
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes — boneless, skinless chicken breast works fine. Just cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces and watch your cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.
Do I really need a cast‑iron skillet?
A cast‑iron skillet helps achieve a nice sear and even cooking. You can use another heavy skillet if needed, but cast iron gives the best results.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken should reach 165 °F (about 74 °C) internally to ensure it’s safely cooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead and reheat?
Yes — you can cook the chicken, refrigerate it, then quickly reheat in a skillet when you’re ready to eat.
What can I serve with these Cajun chicken bites?
They go well with rice, crispy potatoes or fries, a fresh salad, or even as filling in tacos or wraps.
Can I make the seasoning ahead of time?
Absolutely — mix up a batch of the dry spice blend ahead of time and store it in an airtight jar.
What if I overcrowd the skillet?
Avoid overcrowding — if the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of sear, and you won’t get that nice crispy exterior. If necessary, cook in batches.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
You can make it kid-friendly by reducing or omitting the spicier ingredients (red pepper, cayenne), while keeping the flavorful seasonings like paprika, onion and garlic powder.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes — cooked bites can be frozen. Thaw and reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to retain moisture and flavor.
Conclusion
Skillet Cajun Chicken Bites are a simple yet flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. With customizable seasoning, versatile serving options, and easy storage, it’s a reliable go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep. Once you master the basic version, you can easily tweak spice levels, add veggies, or transform the bites into tacos, salads, or wraps — making this recipe a versatile staple in your cooking rotation.
