As a busy parent, I know how hard it is to make a good meal fast, especially on weeknights. That’s why I’m excited to share these easy cubed chicken recipes. They turn simple ingredients into tasty meals your family will enjoy.
Try the 15-minute Honey Garlic Cubed Chicken or the Asian-inspired Chicken Cube Stir Fry. You can also make the Mediterranean Chicken Cube Skewers. These recipes offer different flavors and can be made in 30 minutes or less.
Looking to meal prep or need a quick dinner? These recipes are perfect. They use simple, affordable ingredients and various cooking methods. This way, you can make delicious, healthy meals for your family.
Table of Contents
Why Cooking with Cubed Chicken is Perfect for Busy Families
Busy families need quick and easy protein sources. Cubed chicken fits the bill perfectly. It’s pre-cut and bite-sized, making it a great choice for home cooks in a hurry.
Benefits of Pre-cut Chicken
- Faster cooking times: Cubed chicken cooks up quickly, saving you minutes in the kitchen.
- Even heat distribution: Its small size ensures it cooks evenly, so you don’t get tough or raw spots.
- Versatile cooking methods: You can use cubed chicken in many dishes, from stir-fries to casseroles.
Time-saving Preparation Tips
Here are some tips to make cooking with cubed chicken even quicker:
- Marinate the chicken in advance: Mix up a marinade and let the chicken soak overnight for extra flavor.
- Use kitchen shears for quick cutting: If you cut your own chicken, sharp shears make quick work of it.
Storage and Food Safety Guidelines
To keep your cubed chicken fresh and safe, follow these tips:
- Refrigerate: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Cook to the right temperature: Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) to kill bacteria.
Using cubed chicken can make mealtime easier for busy families. It’s convenient, versatile, and saves time. Enjoy stress-free cooking with this time-saving ingredient.
Essential Kitchen Tools and Ingredients for Cubed Chicken Recipes
To make tasty cubed chicken recipes, you need some basic tools and ingredients. Start with a sharp chef’s knife and a strong cutting board. These help you cut the chicken into small, even pieces. A big skillet or wok is also key for cooking the chicken.
For flavor, olive oil is a must for cooking the chicken. Soy sauce, honey, and garlic are great for adding taste. Make sure you have ketchup, sugar, lemon juice, and chicken broth too. These are the basics for many tasty chicken recipes.
With these tools and ingredients, you can make many tasty chicken dishes for your family.
| Kitchen Tools | Chicken Seasonings | Pantry Staples |
|---|---|---|
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15-Minute Honey Garlic Cubed Chicken
Discover a tasty 15-minute honey garlic cubed chicken dish perfect for busy families. This quick recipe uses pre-cut chicken cubes for a flavorful meal in no time.
Sauce Ingredients and Proportions
The secret to the delicious honey garlic sauce is the right mix of ingredients. You’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this honey garlic chicken recipe is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken cubes and brown them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
This quick chicken recipe goes great with fluffy white rice. Add sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and looks.
This 15-minute honey garlic chicken dish is a hit with its chicken cube marinade. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your family wanting more. Enjoy this tasty and easy meal any night!
Asian-Inspired Chicken Cube Stir Fry
Discover the flavors of Asia with this quick diced chicken stir fry. It has tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a tasty sauce. It’s great for a quick dinner on busy nights. Cutting the chicken into small pieces helps it cook fast and evenly.
Begin by marinating the chicken in soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil for 30 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy and full of flavor. Then, cook the chicken until it’s lightly browned. Add your favorite veggies like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, and cook until they’re just tender.
The sauce is the secret to this dish. It’s made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk the sauce together and add it to the wok. Let the flavors mix and the sauce thicken.
Enjoy this Asian chicken recipe over steamed rice or noodles. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for families on the go. You can also change it up by using different veggies or adjusting the spice level.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed | 1 1/4 lbs |
| Broccoli florets | 1 lb |
| Garlic, minced | 6 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 3 tbsp |
| Chicken or vegetable stock | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| Water | 2 tbsp |
Mediterranean Chicken Cube Skewers
Looking for a tasty and healthy meal? Try these Mediterranean chicken cube skewers. They’re flavored with a Mediterranean marinade. This mix includes lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like oregano and thyme.
Marinade Options
To make the marinade, mix 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of fresh dill and parsley. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the chicken cube skewers marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This lets the flavors soak into the meat.
Grilling Techniques
When ready to grill, put the marinated chicken cubes on skewers with colorful veggies like red onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and squash. Make sure the chicken cubes are 1 1/2 inches big for best grilling. Grill the Mediterranean chicken kabobs for 5-8 minutes on each side. This ensures the chicken is cooked and the veggies are tender.
Accompaniment Ideas
- Pair the grilled chicken cube skewers with tzatziki sauce for a tangy touch.
- Enjoy them with warm pita bread and a Greek salad for a complete meal.
- For a full meal, add roasted potatoes or a fresh vegetable medley alongside the grilled chicken cubes.
This Mediterranean chicken cube skewer recipe is vibrant, flavorful, and healthy. It’s a great choice for a family dinner. The pre-cut chicken makes it easy to prepare, and the Mediterranean flavors are irresistible.
Cubed Chicken Recipes for Meal Prep
Preparing cubed chicken in bulk is a game-changer for busy families. It makes meal prep easier. You can cook a large batch of chicken meal prep or make-ahead chicken recipes for the week. This way, you can make everything from chicken burrito bowls to pasta dishes.
Cooking chicken cubes in advance is key. Then, portion them with rice, veggies, and sauces. This saves time and ensures you have a balanced meal ready anytime.
You can store chicken cubes in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer. This makes it easy to reheat and enjoy a home-cooked meal quickly.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Chicken burrito bowls are a top chicken meal prep choice. Cook cubed chicken with your favorite seasonings. Then, layer it with rice, black beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and guacamole or salsa. You can change up the flavors each week.
Chicken Salad Meal Prep
- Toss cubed chicken with salad greens, diced veggies, and a light vinaigrette.
- Add cooked quinoa or farro, avocado, and feta cheese for a heartier meal.
- Keep chicken, greens, and dressing separate to stay fresh.
Chicken Pasta Meal Prep
- Cook whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Combine cooked pasta or noodles with chicken cubes.
- Toss with pasta sauce, sautéed veggies, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Using chicken meal prep and make-ahead chicken recipes makes mealtime easy. With a bit of prep, you’ll have tasty, healthy meals all week. It’s perfect for busy families.
One-Pan Chicken Cube Dishes
Make your weeknights better with tasty one-pan chicken cube dishes. These recipes mix cubed chicken with fresh veggies. They’re perfect for busy families and save time.
Quick Cleanup Tips
One-pan chicken cube dishes are great because they’re easy to clean up. Just line your baking sheet with parchment or foil. This keeps the mess in one place.
After cooking, just toss out the parchment or foil. Your pan will be ready for the next meal.
Vegetable Pairing Options
There are many ways to mix veggies with chicken in one pan. Here are some tasty combos:
- Chicken and bell peppers with onions
- Chicken and broccoli with carrots
- Chicken and zucchini with cherry tomatoes
- Chicken and Brussels sprouts with sweet potatoes
Choose colorful, healthy veggies that match the flavors of your meal. Roast everything at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. It’s a quick dinner.
By using cubed chicken and your favorite veggies in one pan, you get tasty, healthy meals. Try different veggies and flavors to find your family’s favorite.
Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Cubes
Enjoy juicy and crispy chicken cubes without the guilt by air frying them to perfection. This method yields a healthier alternative to traditional pan-frying. It lets you indulge in your favorite chicken dishes while keeping the calorie count in check.
Start by tossing 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of salt. This creates a light, crunchy coating. Add your choice of seasonings, such as 1 tablespoon of a blend featuring olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, for a burst of flavor.
Air fry the chicken cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The result is a beautifully crisp exterior and juicy, tender interior, all while keeping the nutritional profile of your meal in check. Serve these healthy air fryer chicken cubes on a bed of fresh salad, alongside roasted vegetables, or as a standalone snack with your favorite dipping sauce for a wholesome and satisfying meal.