When it comes to cooking for busy weeknights, having a few reliable go-to recipes can make all the difference. And when those recipes feature one of our favorite proteins – chicken – we’re in luck! Cut up chicken pieces are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a wide range of delicious dishes with just a few simple ingredients and some creative flair.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 flavorful cut up chicken recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. From classic comfort food to international-inspired flavors, these recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or something more elaborate, we’ve got you covered. So grab your apron, preheat the oven (or stovetop), and get ready to dive into a world of chickeny goodness!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Pieces
Moist and flavorful chicken pieces smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce – perfect as an appetizer or main course!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken pieces (wings, thighs, breasts, and tenders)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dried thyme.
3. Place the chicken pieces in a large baking dish and brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over all the pieces.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Chunks
This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken chunks smothered in a sticky honey soy glaze, perfect for snacking or as a main course. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
3. Add chicken chunks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the glaze.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken in a single layer.
5. Drizzle with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Bites
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Bites Recipe
Get ready for a deliciously crispy twist on traditional fried chicken bites, without the hassle of deep-frying!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil or cooking spray for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then beaten egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Grease with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
5. Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Serve: Enjoy your crispy oven-fried chicken bites hot, straight from the oven! Perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wingettes
Get ready to spice up your snack game with these mouth-watering Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wingettes! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these bite-sized morsels are smothered in a bold buffalo sauce that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or your preferred buffalo sauce)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (wingettes).
3. In a bowl, mix together butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss until coated.
4. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with buffalo sauce.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
6. Serve hot with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing (if desired). Enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
A bright and citrusy twist on classic roasted chicken thighs, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy cleanup.
5. Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet
A hearty and comforting one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, tender mushrooms, and a rich creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the mushrooms and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually stir in the heavy cream, whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Smoky Rub
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with these tender and flavorful BBQ chicken drumsticks smothered in a rich, smoky rub. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or potluck gathering!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup Smoky Rub (see below)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Smoky Rub:
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix Smoky Rub ingredients.
3. Brush drumsticks with olive oil; sprinkle with Smoky Rub.
4. Grill drumsticks for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce during last 2 minutes of grilling.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Chunks with Pineapple
Sweet and Savory Teriyaki Chicken Chunks with Pineapple
A classic Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
3. Add chicken chunks to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, topped with pineapple chunks and garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Strips
Savor the flavors of a classic fajita dish with minimal effort and cleanup. This recipe yields crispy, savory strips of chicken cooked to perfection on a single sheet pan.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large bell pepper (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange the chicken strips, bell pepper slices, and onion slices in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pot Coconut Curry Chicken Pieces
Savor the flavors of India with this comforting one-pot dish that combines tender chicken pieces with creamy coconut curry sauce, all cooked to perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add chicken, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Pour in coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
9. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Elevate your chicken nugget game with a crunchy Parmesan crust that adds a rich, savory flavor to these bite-sized treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders, cut into nugget-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and Parmesan cheese.
3. In a separate dish, beat the egg.
4. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat in the flour-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken Bites
Transform ordinary chicken tenders into extraordinary Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken Bites, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. The combination of crispy sesame seeds, sticky ginger glaze, and tender chicken will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
3. Add chicken strips to the marinade, tossing to coat. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Coat chicken in sesame seeds, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place coated chicken on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes or until cooked through.
7. While chicken is baking, prepare the sticky ginger glaze by whisking together grated ginger and a pinch of black pepper.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Mediterranean Lemon Oregano Chicken
A flavorful and aromatic chicken dish inspired by the Mediterranean region, this recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the earthiness of oregano. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the lemon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quick Chicken Stir-Fry with Veggies
In just a few minutes, you can whip up a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This quick chicken stir-fry recipe combines the simplicity of frozen veggies with the flavor of marinated chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked brown rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and chicken. Let marinate for at least 5 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the frozen veggies to the skillet and stir-fry until thawed and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Serve the chicken and veggie mixture over cooked brown rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders
Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
Transform your chicken tenders into a flavorful treat with this simple recipe that combines the classic flavors of ranch dressing and baked chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips (10-12 pieces)
- 1 cup ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, mix together the ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken tenders to the olive oil mixture and toss until fully coated.
- Roll the chicken pieces in the ranch-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings
Elevate your game-day gatherings with this sweet and tangy twist on traditional chicken wings. This recipe combines the spicy kick of chili flakes with the richness of honey, perfect for satisfying any snack craving.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken wings to the glaze mixture and toss until fully coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange wings in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and toss with additional chili flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Rosemary Roasted Chicken Legs
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of garlic and rosemary with the tender juiciness of roasted chicken legs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
3. Season the chicken legs with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken legs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Sprinkle the garlic-rosemary mixture over the chicken legs, dividing it evenly among them.
6. Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce
A classic Italian dish gets a bright and tangy twist with this recipe, featuring crispy chicken breasts smothered in a zesty lemon-caper sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
4. Add chicken breasts and cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and add lemon juice, white wine (if using), and capers to the skillet.
7. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve chicken breasts with lemon-caper sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple Dijon Baked Chicken Pieces
Sweet and tangy, this recipe combines the richness of maple syrup with the boldness of Dijon mustard to create a deliciously glazed baked chicken dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
3. Place chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the maple-Dijon glaze evenly over the chicken.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Adobo with Soy and Vinegar
This classic Filipino dish combines the richness of soy sauce and vinegar with tender chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion. A flavorful marinade and easy cooking process make it an ideal choice for any culinary level.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup vinegar (apple cider or white wine)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
7. Season with salt to taste.
8. Garnish with parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these 20 delicious cut-up chicken recipes! From classic comfort food to international flavors, this collection has something for everyone. Try Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Pieces, Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Chunks, or Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wingettes. For a quick and easy option, whip up Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet or Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Strips. With ingredients you probably already have on hand, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when cooking from scratch is a must.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
