Diced chicken is a fantastic way to use chicken breasts or thighs because they cook up quicker and soak up more deliciousness from sauces and seasonings. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves chicken and wants a fast and effortless way to prepare it. It’s a lean, protein-packed meat that will keep you feeling satisfied and full. Plus, it’s low in carbs and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those following specific diets.
(The article has some extra recipes for chopped chicken at the end.)
Ingredients:
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: any spices, sauces, or marinades that you like
Dice the chicken:
1. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels, getting rid of any excess fat or skin.
2. Place the chicken on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into thin strips, making sure to cut against the grain for extra tenderness.
3. Cut those strips into small cubes, aiming for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.
4. Transfer the diced chicken to a large bowl and toss it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional spices, sauces, or marinades you prefer. Mix everything thoroughly so that every piece of chicken is evenly coated.
Cooking:
To cook the diced chicken, you have a few options:
（Choose one or the other）
①Baking:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. Spread the diced chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. You can flip the chicken halfway through for more even browning.
②Frying:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken in batches and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and crispy. If needed, you can remove any excess oil by draining it on paper towels.
③Stir-fry:
Heat a big skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced chicken and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until it’s fully cooked and nicely browned. If the pan starts to dry out, you can add a bit of water or broth.
④Grilling:
Get the grill preheated to medium-high heat and grease the grates with some oil. Skewer up the diced chicken pieces and give them a brush of oil. Grill them for about 10 to 15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they’re cooked through with a good charred exterior. For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to brush on some sauce or marinade during the last few minutes of grilling.
Serve the dish:
Transfer the cooked chicken onto a big platter or serving bowl. Sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top to add color and freshness. Serve the diced chicken with steamed rice, noodles, bread, or salad. You can also drizzle some soy sauce, honey, or lemon juice over the chicken for extra flavor. Enjoy your diced chicken! It’s a simple and delicious dish that you can prepare in various ways.
Tips:
The first thing is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the dishes. You want to use chicken breasts or thighs that are not frozen or expired and without any bones or skin. You want to use vegetables that are firm, crisp, and free from bruises or spots. Additionally, make sure the sauce ingredients are not expired or contaminated, with no lumps or clumps.
The second thing is to cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes for the dishes. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly and quickly. Similarly, chop the vegetables into similar sizes for a consistent texture and flavor profile. Lastly, thinly slice the green onions to add freshness and color to your dish.
The third thing is to season the chicken with a good amount of salt and pepper for the dishes. It’s important to season the chicken before coating it with cornstarch or batter, as this will enhance its flavor. Be careful not to use too much seasoning so that it overpowers the sauce and vegetables.
The fourth thing, you need to adjust the sauce according to your taste preferences. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and give it a taste. Adjust the sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and spiciness levels based on your liking. Feel free to add more or less honey, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, or ketchup depending on what you prefer. For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes, garlic ginger, or honey into the mix.
The origin:
This diced chicken dish is a simple and popular dish enjoyed by many people worldwide, especially in Asia, Europe, and America. Restaurants, cafeterias, and homes commonly serve it. Additionally, it’s a popular choice for parties, picnics, and potlucks. People often personalize this dish by adding their favorite ingredients like cheese, pineapple, curry or barbecue sauce. Some even make vegetarian or vegan versions using tofu, seitan, or plant-based chicken substitutes.
Here are some of the Diced chicken recipes:
Garlic butter diced chicken:
This dish is super simple and packed with flavor! The active voice version of the sentence would be: “They dice chicken and sauté it in a skillet with butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.”Just cook it over medium-high heat until the chicken turns golden and tender. To make it even more delicious, garnish with extra parsley and serve alongside steamed rice, bread, or salad. The best part? It only takes 15 minutes to whip up this quick and easy meal – perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Honey garlic diced chicken:
This dish is delicious! It’s a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. You start by cooking diced chicken in a skillet with some oil until it’s nicely browned. Then, you add in honey, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch to create an irresistible sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. To enhance its presentation and taste, sprinkle some sesame seeds and green onions on top. Serve it alongside rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. The best part? It only takes 30 minutes to whip up this gluten-free and dairy-free delight!
Diced chicken and broccoli:
This is a super healthy and super easy dish made with diced chicken, broccoli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and oil. You just cook it all up in a skillet over medium-high heat until the chicken and broccoli are tender and bursting with flavor. Serve it up with some rice or noodles or enjoy it as is. It’s seriously nutritious and delicious – plus it only takes 20 minutes to whip up! And the best part? It’s low-carb but packed with protein.