Cubed chicken breast recipes is a versatile and convenient ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of dishes, from hearty casseroles to light salads. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a more elaborate dish for guests, cubed chicken breast offers a lean protein source that adapts to various cooking methods and flavor profiles.
In this article, we’ll explore an array of cubed chicken breast recipes that are perfect for any occasion. We’ll also cover essential tips for preparing, cooking, and keeping your chicken moist, as well as answering common questions related to cubed chicken breast. By the end, you’ll have a repertoire of delicious dishes to make the most of this simple yet versatile ingredient.
Why Choose Cubed Chicken Breast Recipes?
Cubed chicken breast is a time-saver in the kitchen, allowing for quicker cooking times and even flavor distribution. Whether you’re making a quick stir-fry, a comforting soup, or a protein-packed salad, cubed chicken breast is the perfect choice.
Benefits of Cubed Chicken Breast:
- Uniform Cooking: Because the chicken is cut into even pieces, it cooks uniformly, reducing the risk of undercooking or overcooking.
- Flavor Absorption: Smaller pieces of chicken absorb marinades and seasonings more efficiently, resulting in flavorful dishes.
- Versatility: Cubed chicken breast can be used in a wide range of recipes, from stir-fries and salads to casseroles and soups.
For those looking to explore more about cooking chicken in different styles, you can also check out Juicy Bone-In Chicken Breast Recipes for additional inspiration.
Preparing Cubed Chicken Breast Recipes
How to Cut Chicken Breasts into Cubes
Properly cutting chicken breasts into uniform cubes is essential for ensuring even cooking and flavor distribution.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Start with Chilled Chicken: Chilled chicken is firmer and easier to cut. Place the chicken breast in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm it up slightly.
- Trim the Chicken: Remove any excess fat or tendons from the chicken breast.
- Slice Horizontally: Depending on the thickness, you may want to slice the chicken breast horizontally to create thinner pieces.
- Cut into Strips: Slice the chicken into 1-inch wide strips.
- Cube the Chicken: Turn the strips and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
Tenderizing Cubed Chicken
Tenderizing cubed chicken can make a significant difference in texture and flavor, particularly in dishes like stir-fries or grilled skewers.
Methods to Tenderize Cubed Chicken:
- Marination: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of acidic ingredients like yogurt, buttermilk, or lemon juice, combined with herbs and spices. The acids help to break down the proteins, resulting in tender, juicy chicken.
- Brining: Soak the chicken cubes in a solution of salt and water for at least 30 minutes. This helps to retain moisture and add flavor.
- Velveting: A technique often used in Chinese cuisine, velveting involves coating the chicken in a mixture of egg white, cornstarch, and rice wine, followed by a quick blanching in hot oil or water. This method keeps the chicken tender and succulent during cooking.
For more detailed information on meat tenderizing techniques, you can refer to this Best Methods for Tenderizing Meat guide.
Keeping Cubed Chicken Moist
One of the challenges with cooking cubed chicken breast is ensuring it remains moist and flavorful. Here are a few tips to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked every time:
- Avoid Overcooking: Chicken breast can easily become dry if it’s cooked too long. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the heat promptly.
- Use High Heat for Quick Cooking: Methods like sautéing and stir-frying are ideal for cubed chicken because they cook the meat quickly, preserving its moisture.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Give the chicken a few minutes to rest after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
For those interested in preparing chicken in a variety of ways, you might explore Thin Cut Chicken Breast Recipes for additional ideas and techniques.
Cooking Techniques for Cubed Chicken Breast Recipes
Cubed chicken breast is incredibly versatile and can be prepared using various cooking techniques. Here are some popular methods:
Sautéing and Stir-Frying
Sautéing and stir-frying are quick cooking methods that work particularly well with cubed chicken breast. Both methods use high heat to sear the chicken, locking in moisture and flavor.
Best Practices:
- Heat the Pan: Make sure your pan is hot before placing the chicken in it. This helps achieve a nice sear without overcooking.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.
Recipe Ideas:
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: A quick and flavorful dish where cubed chicken is cooked with vegetables and coated in a savory teriyaki sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites: Cubed chicken sautéed with garlic and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious meal.
Baking and Roasting
Baking and roasting are great methods for cooking cubed chicken breast when you want a hands-off approach.
Temperature and Time Guidelines:
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cubed chicken on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Roasting: For a slightly higher temperature and a bit of caramelization, roast at 400°F (205°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Recipe Ideas:
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Combine cubed chicken with broccoli, cheese, and rice for a comforting baked dish.
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake: A flavorful combination of chicken, rice, and spices baked to perfection.
Grilling
Grilling cubed chicken breast adds a delicious smoky flavor that pairs well with marinades and rubs.
Tips for Grilling:
- Use Skewers: Threading the chicken cubes onto skewers makes them easier to handle and ensures even cooking.
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken before grilling adds flavor and helps to keep the meat tender.
Recipe Ideas:
- BBQ Chicken Skewers: Marinate the cubed chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce and grill until charred and smoky.
- Spicy Thai Basil Chicken: A fragrant and spicy dish with the flavors of basil, garlic, and chili.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is ideal for busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. It allows the chicken to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors of the dish.
Advantages of Slow Cooking:
- Set It and Forget It: Add all your ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning and return to a fully cooked meal in the evening.
- Tender and Juicy: The low and slow cooking method ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Recipe Ideas:
- Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: A hearty soup with tender chicken, wild rice, and vegetables.
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Stew: A rich and comforting stew perfect for chilly evenings.
For more tips on cooking chicken to perfection, you can check out The Different Cuts of a Chicken | How to Prepare & Cook Every Cut (texasrealfood.com).
Delicious Cubed Chicken Breast Recipes
Now that you’re familiar with the preparation and cooking methods, let’s dive into some delicious cubed chicken breast recipes that are sure to become favorites in your household.
Cubed Chicken Salads
Cobb Salad with Cubed Chicken
A classic Cobb salad with cubed chicken, crisp lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- Romaine lettuce
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- Avocado, diced
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Blue cheese, crumbled
- Red wine vinaigrette dressing
Preparation:
- Arrange the lettuce on a large platter.
- Top with cubed chicken, eggs, avocado, bacon, and blue cheese.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.
Mediterranean Chicken and Quinoa Salad
A light and nutritious salad combining cubed chicken with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Lemon vinaigrette
Preparation:
- Toss the cooked quinoa with the cubed chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.
- Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Asian Chicken and Mango Salad
This vibrant salad combines cubed chicken with juicy mango, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sesame dressing, making it a refreshing dish perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots, julienned
- Green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sesame soy dressing
Preparation:
- Combine the cubed chicken, mango, cabbage, carrots, and green onions in a large bowl.
- Toss with sesame soy dressing.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds and serve right away.
Cubed Chicken Stir-Fries
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful stir-fry where cubed chicken is cooked with vegetables and coated in a savory teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Broccoli florets
- Carrots, sliced
- Teriyaki sauce
Preparation:
- Warm oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat
- Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned.
- Add the vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
This dish features cubed chicken cooked with garlic, chili, and fresh basil for a spicy and aromatic meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- Garlic, minced
- Red chili, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Oyster sauce
- Soy sauce
Preparation:
- Heat oil in a pan and add the garlic and chili. Sauté until fragrant.
- Incorporate the cubed chicken and cook until it turns golden brown.
- Stir in the oyster sauce and soy sauce.
- Add fresh basil leaves and cook until wilted.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
A popular Chinese dish, this stir-fry combines cubed chicken with crunchy cashews, vegetables, and a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- Cashews, toasted
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Snow peas
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
Preparation:
- Heat oil in a wok and add the chicken, cooking until browned.
- Add the vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
- Stir in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
- Add the toasted cashews and toss to combine.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Cubed Chicken Casseroles
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
A comforting casserole featuring cubed chicken, broccoli, cheese, and rice, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- Broccoli florets
- Cooked rice
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Cream of chicken soup
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, shredded cheese, and cream of chicken soup.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional cheese.
- Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm as a hearty dinner.
Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake
A flavorful casserole with cubed chicken, rice, and Mexican-inspired seasonings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- Cooked rice
- Black beans, drained
- Corn, drained
- Salsa
- Shredded cheese
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken, rice, beans, corn, salsa, and shredded cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with more cheese.
- Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with cilantro and accompany with a side of sour cream.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
A rich and creamy casserole that combines cubed chicken with pasta and Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- Cooked pasta
- Alfredo sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, and Alfredo sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
Cubed Chicken Skillet Meals
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
A quick skillet dish where cubed chicken is cooked with garlic and finished with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation:
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Serve as a main dish or appetizer.
Honey Mustard Chicken and Potatoes
This one-pan meal combines cubed chicken and potatoes in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- Potatoes, diced
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Olive oil
- Fresh rosemary, chopped
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken and potatoes with honey, mustard, olive oil, and rosemary.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot as a satisfying dinner.
Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Skillet
A flavorful dish with cubed chicken, black beans, corn, and Southwestern spices, all cooked in one skillet.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed chicken breast
- Black beans, drained
- Corn, drained
- Bell peppers, diced
- Cumin, chili powder, and paprika
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Preparation:
- Warm oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned.
- Add the bell peppers, beans, corn, and spices.
- Sauté until the vegetables are soft and everything is heated thoroughly.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with tortillas or rice.
Tips for Perfect Cubed Chicken Breast Recipes
Choosing the Right Chicken
Selecting high-quality chicken is the first step to a delicious meal. Opt for fresh, organic chicken breasts whenever possible, and ensure they are free from any unpleasant odors or discoloration.
Enhancing Flavor with Marinades
Marinating your cubed chicken can add layers of flavor and tenderness. Here are a few marinade ideas:
- Lemon Garlic Marinade: A blend of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
- Soy Ginger Marinade: Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey.
- Greek Yogurt Marinade: Yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
Cooking Evenly
To ensure that all pieces of chicken cook evenly, make sure to cut the chicken into uniform sizes. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan or baking dish, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than searing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long to cook cubed chicken?
The cooking time for cubed chicken depends on the method:
- Sautéing/Stir-Frying: 5-7 minutes
- Baking/Roasting: 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Grilling: 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally
- Slow Cooking: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
2. How do you tenderize cubed chicken?
Tenderizing cubed chicken can be done through marination, brining, or velveting:
- Marination: Use acidic ingredients like yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar.
- Brining: Soak in a saltwater solution for at least 30 minutes.
- Velveting: Coat in egg white, cornstarch, and rice wine before blanching.
3. How do you keep diced chicken breast moist?
To keep diced chicken breast moist:
- Avoid Overcooking: Cook only until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use High Heat for Quick Methods: Sautéing or stir-frying over high heat helps seal in moisture.
- Rest After Cooking: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute.
4. Can you cut chicken breasts into cubes?
Yes, chicken breasts can easily be cut into cubes. Here’s how:
- Trim: Remove any excess fat or tendons from the chicken breast.
- Slice Horizontally: If the breast is thick, slice it horizontally to create thinner, more manageable pieces.
- Cut into Strips: Slice the breast into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Cube the Chicken: Turn the strips and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
This method ensures that all the pieces are uniform in size, which helps them cook evenly.
Conclusion
Cubed chicken breast is a versatile and convenient ingredient that can be the star of a wide variety of dishes, from hearty casseroles and stir-fries to refreshing salads and soups. By mastering a few essential preparation and cooking techniques, you can create flavorful and succulent meals that are sure to satisfy any palate.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or an elaborate meal for guests, cubed chicken breast adapts effortlessly to different cuisines and cooking methods. Experiment with marinades, spices, and various cooking techniques to discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient.
For more inspiration, don’t forget to explore How To Cook Cubed Chicken In Instant Pot – Recipes.net