Are you staring at that package of chicken cubes in your fridge and wondering what to make with them? You’re not alone! Diced chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients in my kitchen, and I’ve collected some amazing recipes that’ll transform those humble chicken chunks into mouthwatering meals your whole family will love.
Chicken cubes are a dinnertime hero – they cook quickly, absorb flavors beautifully, and are super versatile. Whether you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken you’ve diced up or fresh chicken breast you’ve cubed yourself, I’ve got you covered with these delicious and easy recipes!
Why Cook with Chicken Cubes?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk about why chicken cubes are so awesome
- Quick cooking time: Small pieces cook much faster than whole pieces
- Even cooking: No more worrying about raw centers and burnt exteriors
- Better flavor absorption: More surface area means more flavor!
- Budget-friendly: Chicken is affordable and these recipes stretch it further
- Kid-approved: Small bite-sized pieces are perfect for little ones
How to Prepare Chicken Cubes
If you’re starting with whole chicken pieces here’s how to dice them perfectly
- Place boneless, skinless chicken on a cutting board
- Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes
- For even cooking, try to keep the pieces roughly the same size
For leftover chicken:
- Remove meat from any bones
- Place on cutting board and dice into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces
Pro tip: Let cooked chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cutting to keep it juicy!
Quick Skillet Meals with Chicken Cubes
When you need dinner on the table fast, these skillet meals are lifesavers:
1. 10-Minute Italian Chicken
This is my go-to recipe when I’m short on time but still want something delicious. The chicken cubes get infused with Italian flavors and come together in literally 10 minutes!
2. Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Sweet, sticky, and irresistible! The combination of honey and garlic creates a glaze that coats each chicken cube perfectly. I make this at least twice a month, and my kids always ask for seconds.
3. Salt and Pepper Chicken Bites
Sometimes simple is best! These crispy, seasoned chicken cubes make an excellent protein for any meal or can be served as appetizers with a dipping sauce.
4. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Tender chicken cubes, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce come together in this family favorite. It’s faster (and healthier) than takeout!
5. One Pan Italian Chicken Veggie Skillet
This colorful one-pan wonder combines chicken cubes with whatever veggies you have on hand. The Italian seasoning ties everything together beautifully.
Global Flavors with Chicken Cubes
Take your taste buds on a world tour with these internationally-inspired chicken cube recipes:
1. Thai Cashew Chicken
Crunchy cashews, tender chicken, and a sweet-spicy sauce make this dish completely addictive. I serve it over rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
2. Easy Butter Chicken
This simplified version of the Indian classic uses chicken cubes instead of whole pieces, cutting the cooking time in half while keeping all the creamy, spiced goodness.
3. Korean Sweet Sticky Chicken
These glazed chicken cubes have the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. They’re fantastic served over rice with some steamed vegetables.
4. Greek Chicken Bites
Seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and lemon, these chicken cubes make a perfect protein for salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
5. Chicken Tikka Masala
This restaurant favorite is surprisingly easy to make at home using chicken cubes. The creamy tomato sauce is absolutely divine poured over basmati rice.
Comforting Casseroles with Chicken Cubes
When you need a hearty, comforting meal that’ll feed the whole family, these casseroles hit the spot:
1. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This creamy, cheesy casserole is comfort food at its finest. Using pre-cubed chicken makes it come together in a snap!
2. Buffalo Chicken and Potato Casserole
If you love buffalo wings, you’ll go crazy for this spicy, cheesy casserole that combines two comfort foods in one incredible dish.
3. Chicken Tetrazzini
This pasta bake with chicken cubes, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce is pure comfort in a dish. It’s one of those recipes that disappears in minutes at my dinner table.
4. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
With a name like that, you know it’s gotta be good! This rich, creamy casserole combines chicken cubes with a dreamy sauce that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
5. Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Kid-friendly and adult-approved, this fun casserole layers chicken cubes with veggies, cheese, and crispy tater tots for a meal that’ll please everyone.
Healthy Options with Chicken Cubes
Looking for something on the lighter side? These nutritious options don’t sacrifice flavor:
1. Chicken and Strawberry Couscous Salad
This refreshing combination of chicken cubes, strawberries, and fluffy couscous makes a perfect summer meal.
2. Greek Chicken Wraps
Seasoned chicken cubes, fresh veggies, and tangy tzatziki sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla make for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
3. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Zucchini Noodles
This low-carb option pairs garlicky chicken cubes with spiralized zucchini for a meal that’s light yet satisfying.
4. One Pan Greek Chicken and Cauliflower
Mediterranean herbs and spices transform chicken cubes and cauliflower into a one-pan meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
5. Keto Garlic & Soy Sauce Chicken with Broccoli
Perfect for those following a keto diet, this simple combo of chicken cubes and broccoli in a savory sauce is both satisfying and nutritious.
Soup and Stew Recipes with Chicken Cubes
When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm bowl of soup made with tender chicken cubes:
1. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This elevated version of the classic comfort food uses chicken cubes for quicker cooking and even distribution throughout the soup.
2. Green Chile Chicken Corn Chowder
Creamy, slightly spicy, and full of flavor, this hearty chowder is perfect for cooler evenings.
3. White Chicken Chili
This creamy, slightly spicy alternative to traditional chili uses chicken cubes instead of ground meat for a delicious twist.
4. Chicken Minestrone Soup
Loaded with vegetables, pasta, and chicken cubes, this Italian classic makes a complete meal in a bowl.
5. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
The combination of chicken cubes, vegetables, and warm spices in a creamy broth makes this soup utterly irresistible.
Party-Ready Appetizers with Chicken Cubes
Hosting a gathering? These appetizers featuring chicken cubes will be the hit of your party:
1. Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
These spicy, crispy nuggets disappear in minutes whenever I serve them. Don’t forget the ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce!
2. Chicken Fajita Nachos
Seasoned chicken cubes, peppers, onions, and lots of cheese piled high on crispy tortilla chips make for the ultimate party food.
3. BBQ Chicken Nachos
A sweet and tangy alternative to the fajita version, these nachos feature BBQ-glazed chicken cubes that’ll have your guests reaching for more.
4. Chicken Fajita Dip
This creamy, cheesy dip studded with seasoned chicken cubes and peppers is perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips.
5. Ranch Chicken Bites
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with ranch flavors, these bites are addictively good.
Simple Sides and Lunch Ideas
These versatile recipes work great as sides or light lunches:
1. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This hearty salad combines the flavors of Caesar salad with pasta and chicken cubes for a satisfying meal.
2. Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tender chicken cubes in a creamy dressing make for a delicious sandwich filling or salad topper.
3. Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
These mini sandwiches filled with chicken cubes, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing are perfect for lunch or as party food.
4. Pesto Chicken Salad
Fresh basil pesto gives this chicken salad a bright, herby flavor that’s perfect for wraps or sandwiches.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Cubes Every Time
- Don’t overcook: Chicken cubes cook quickly! Use a meat thermometer and remove from heat when they reach 165°F.
- Season well: Because they cook quickly, season chicken cubes generously before cooking.
- High heat: For skillet recipes, use high heat to get a nice sear without overcooking.
- Marinate when possible: Even 15 minutes in a marinade can add tons of flavor to chicken cubes.
- Rest before cutting: If cubing cooked chicken, let it rest first to keep it juicy.
Final Thoughts
With these 50+ recipes, you’ll never be stumped about what to make with chicken cubes again! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive party appetizers, chicken cubes are truly one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen arsenal.
My family has their favorites (the teriyaki stir fry and buffalo chicken nuggets are requested weekly!), but I’d love to hear which recipes become your go-tos. The best thing about cooking with chicken cubes is how quickly you can get a delicious meal on the table, making them perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Lunch Recipes with Diced Chicken
If you are looking for something quick and easy for lunch, these recipes will do the trick! Each one incorporates diced chicken to make the recipe hearty and delicious!
Casserole Recipes with Diced Chicken
Casseroles are a staple for the busy family! With everything here from comfort food to Mexican flavors, diced chicken can be the start of the perfect bite!
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites – Delicious and Easy to Make
FAQ
What can I make with cubed chicken pieces?
- One-pan chicken couscous. A star rating of 4.1 out of 5. …
- Chicken korma. A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. …
- Quick chicken noodles. A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. …
- Coronation pies. …
- Chicken & chorizo jambalaya. …
- Chicken & chorizo quesadilla. …
- Chilli chicken with honey & soy. …
- Egg drop chicken noodle soup.
What can I make with chicken stock cubes?
- Lentil Soup with Chicken Broth and Vermicelli. Save this recipe and keep it for later. …
- Gizzards & Noodles w Beef Broth. Save this recipe and keep it for later. …
- Chicken stock. …
- Simple Japanese Dashi Stock. …
- Beef Broth Soup (Liquid only) …
- Molokhia with Chicken Broth. …
- Basic Beef Stock Gravy. …
- Veggie Chicken Broth Soup.
What to make with leftover cubed chicken?
- Chicken & tzatziki wraps.
- Chicken, bacon & watercress baguettes.
- Easy coronation chicken.
- Mexican chicken & black bean wraps.
- Caesar pitta.
- Herby chicken & butter bean soup.
- Spiced black bean & chicken soup with kale.
- Chicken & sweetcorn soup.
Where to use chicken cubes?
- Chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes. traci.thornley.
- Moroccan Chicken, Apricot and Almond tagine. Katatonickat.
- Chicken Arroz Caldo. Minda.
- Garlicky Herb Baked Chicken Thighs. Crock Pot Girl
- Chicken Miso Ramen Noodles. Lauren.
- Chicken and Cabbage Soup. Brandy T.
- Chicken Noodle Soup. …
- Shrimp, sausage, and chicken GUMBO.