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    Home » Recipes » Healthy Dairy and Gluten-Free Snack Recipes

    Spicy Chicken Bites Recipe [Gluten-Free]

    Modified: Jun 4, 2025 · by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    The best meal prep recipe you didn’t know you needed. With only 2 grams of carbs and packed with flavor, this spicy chicken bites recipe makes for a delicious appetizer, snack, or the base of a low-carb dinner.

    “The perfect amount of heat for the perfect chicken bites. We all loved them so much that I will make this weekend to bring them to my neighborhood potluck. Thank you.”  - Giangi Townsend

    Spicy chicken bites in a cast iron skillet with green onions on top and a wooden spoon in the pan.

    Bite-sized pieces of tender chicken seasoned in a spicy blend that will awaken your taste buds no matter how you eat them!

    Whether you’re looking for an easy snack or a weeknight dinner, spicy chicken bites are a delicious and versatile option that can be enjoyed with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a delicious meal (the same goes for teriyaki steak bites!).

    Seasoned with both cayenne pepper and tabasco sauce, this spicy chicken bites recipe can be adjusted to suit your spicy preferences.

    I love how versatile the recipe is and how easily it can fit into a high protein meal template.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Easy to make: With only 7 ingredients, most of them seasonings, the chicken bites are simple to whip up.

    Healthy: Less is more, these bites are naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and whole30-approved.

    Versatile: Use them in pasta dishes, as an appetizer with BBQ dipping sauce, or just to munch on throughout the day.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: you’ll need to cut the chicken into small pieces so boneless and skinless breasts are necessary. This is so that they cook quickly, just like these crispy gluten-free Thai chicken bites.

    Garlic powder you could use fresh garlic here but the powder helps coat the chicken more.

    Salt: salt paired with spice is a classic flavor combo that leaves you wanting more.

    Paprika: any paprika will work but smoked paprika will give the most flavor.

    Cayenne pepper: this is where you can customize the intensity of the spice a little bit. Add in more if you want more potency.

    Tabasco: or your favorite hot sauce! Again, the more you use the more spicy the chicken bites will be.

    Multiple ingredients for spicy chicken bites in bowls with text labels over top.

    How To Make Chicken Bites

    1. Take the time to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces
    2. Season the chicken by placing everything into a pasta baggie and tossing.
    3. Heat a pan over medium heat.
    4. Cook the chicken in the pan for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Stir often.
    Spices added to raw chicken in a plastic bag.
    Raw chicken bites in a plastic baggie with a wooden spoon behind it.
    Raw chicken bites being cooked in a cast iron pan.
    Chicken bites being cooked in a cast iron pan.

    Important Teaching Tips

    This spicy chicken bites recipe is not extra spicy, it's just flavored nicely. If you want a big spice kick to opt for the full ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon tabasco. Or, add ½ a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

    That seasoning also works on something like oven-baked bacon-wrapped steak bites or beef strip loin too.

    If you’re cooking in a cast-iron pan, you’ll need about 2 tbs of cooking oil. However, if cooking in a nonstick pan, you’ll only need 1.

    I like my spicy chicken bites slightly drier so I drain the juices from cooking about halfway through.

    Make sure to chop the chicken into bite-sized form. Chopping frozen chicken actually makes this easier but it will make cooking times longer.

    Flavor Variations

    Thai: Add in 1-2 tbs of thai chili sauce to the bag when tossing for a sweet and spicy flavor.

    Savory: Mix in a bit of homemade teriyaki sauce to coat them in a sticky, blended sauce.

    Spicy chicken bites in a cast iron skillet with green onions on top and a wooden spoon in the pan.

    How To Enjoy Them

    You can use these spicy chicken bites as an appetizer or snack all on their own (just like dehydrated chicken) and pair them with your favorite dipping sauce. We like any of the following:

    • Spicy thai sauce
    • Homemade ranch
    • Homemade BBQ sauce

    Or, you can use the spicy chicken bites as a meal prep recipe for the base of something like dairy free chicken alfredo pasta, or on top of a tangy lemon noodle bowl or fattoush salad.

    In the summer the chicken bites are a great compliment to a creamy cucumber onion salad too for warm, lazy nights.

    Honestly, I use them most just to snack on to help boost my daily protein intake. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!

    Spicy chicken bites in a cast iron skillet with green onions on top and a wooden spoon in the pan and a bowl of sauce in the middle.

    Dinner doesn’t have to be chaotic-this eBook gives you 20+ protein-packed meals ready in 30 minutes or less (even when the day’s already gone sideways)

    E-book cover image of streak fajitas with text about dinner recipes made in under thirty minutes.
    👉 Give Me Dinner in Under 30 Minutes

    Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Bites

    How do you know when chicken bites are done?

    You want to make sure the chicken bites are completely white inside. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer and make sure that the bites are above 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

    How long can you store them?

    Store them in an air-tight container and chicken bites will last 2-3 days after cooking.

    Spicy chicken bites in a cast iron skillet with green onions on top and a wooden spoon in the pan and a bowl of sauce in the middle.

    Other Chicken Recipes You'll Love

    • Chicken alfredo casserole
    • Slow cooker chicken pot pie
    • Chicken pesto pasta
    Spicy chicken bites in a cast iron skillet with green onions on top and a wooden spoon in the pan.

    Gluten-Free Spicy Chicken Bites Recipe

    Shelby Stover
    Tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken seasoned in a simple spicy blend that leaves you wanting more. These spicy chicken bites are perfect as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or meal prep for a weeknight dinner.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course dinner, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 5
    Calories 267 kcal

    Video

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 chicken breasts boneless & skinless
    • 2 tbs garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoon salt
    • ⅛-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ to 1 teaspoon tabasco
    • 2 tbs oil for cooking

    Instructions
     

    • Chop each chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large plastic baggie. Toss in the spices and Tabasco sauce.
    • Toss the chicken in the bag to coat.
    • Heat a pan over just over medium heat with the cooking oil (we use avocado).
    • Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until cooked through and slightly golden brown.

    Notes

    • These spicy chicken bites are not extra spicy, they’re just flavored nicely. If you want a big spice kick opt for the full ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon tabasco.
    • If you’re cooking in a cast iron pan, you’ll need about 2 tbs of cooking oil. However, if cooking in a nonstick pan you’ll only need 1.
    • I like my chicken bites slightly drier so I drain the juices from cooking about halfway through.
    • Flavor swaps: if you want to amp up or change the flavor you can add in 1-2 tbs of thai chili sauce to the bag when tossing or a bit of homemade teriyaki sauce. Depends on your preference.
    Disclaimer:

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

    Nutrition

    Calories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 39gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 1153mgPotassium: 713mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 174IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

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    Comments

    1. Molly says

      May 16, 2024 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      I used chicken thighs instead of breasts and this turned out just delicious. Not too spicy, but very flavorful. No leftovers! Will be adding this to our meal rotation!

      Reply
    2. Barb says

      May 16, 2024 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      These were a hit at dinner! Got the spiciness I like, just the right kick, and they cooked up perfectly! Quick and easy!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        May 16, 2024 at 1:21 pm

        Yay! Always nice when it's super simple.

        Reply
    3. chhavi says

      May 16, 2024 at 6:52 am

      5 stars
      I have recently started eating high-protein meals, and this recipe has been a godsent! Thankyou so much...I air fried it and it came out great!

      Reply
    4. Jane says

      May 16, 2024 at 2:23 am

      5 stars
      These spicy chicken bites were fantastic! I drained the juices halfway through cooking as suggested, and they came out perfectly. I added a teaspoon of Tabasco and I really enjoyed the heat. I'll try this recipe for meal prep next time.

      Reply
    5. Jill says

      May 16, 2024 at 2:06 am

      5 stars
      My husband and his friends came over for a beer night so I made this as an appetizer and man, they loved it so much that I cooked another plate for them with added spice for the second plate so added more Cayenne and Tabasco as suggested. Thanks!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        May 16, 2024 at 1:21 pm

        oh my god that's too awesome!

        Reply
    6. Inah VA says

      May 09, 2024 at 2:15 am

      5 stars
      Yum!

      Reply
    7. Rose says

      April 25, 2023 at 1:01 am

      5 stars
      These spicy chicken bites are perfect! I topped them over a salad and made a chicken salad bowl. So good!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 27, 2023 at 12:37 pm

        I use them on salad too, so yummy!

        Reply
    8. Madison says

      April 25, 2023 at 12:52 am

      5 stars
      This cooked perfectly and the flavor was perfectly spicy!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 27, 2023 at 12:37 pm

        Wahoo!

        Reply
    9. Addison says

      April 25, 2023 at 12:26 am

      5 stars
      These chicken bites were great for meal prep! I loved them and this recipe was so quick and easy.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 27, 2023 at 12:37 pm

        Glad it worked for you!

        Reply
    10. Claire says

      April 24, 2023 at 10:12 pm

      5 stars
      These were delicious!
      I forgot to get the salmon out of the freezer to cook for dinner tonight and just had some chicken chunks (that I had planned to make into homemade nuggets for the kids dinner and the freezer)
      So I forgot about making some for the freezer and used the spare chicken to make hubby and I dinner.
      I didn’t have any hot sauce 😳 so I used Thai chilli like you suggested and the chicken was delicious!!!

      We had it with some Asian greens and sticky rice and it was delicious.

      Hubby didn’t even know I had planned crispy salmon and rice 🤪

      Thank you.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 27, 2023 at 12:36 pm

        The thai chili ones are my personal favorite too, they're just so yummy! Glad everyone liked them! Ps. I forget to thaw things EVERY time haha

        Reply
    11. Giangi Townsend says

      April 24, 2023 at 8:07 pm

      5 stars
      The perfect amount of heat for the perfect chicken bites. We all loved them so much that I will make this weekend to bring them to my neighborhood potluck. Thank you.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 27, 2023 at 12:36 pm

        Yay! Glad everyone enjoyed them.

        Reply
    5 from 13 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome!

    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

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