Sweet Savory Mustard Chicken Bites

These Brown Sugar Mustard Rubbed Chicken Bites are a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and just a touch of spice. They come together quickly, making them an easy option for busy weeknights, midday meals, or even meal prep. The dry rub lets the flavors shine without needing fancy sauces or long marination times. I first tried this recipe on a hectic day when I had just a few minutes to cook and was surprised by how delicious and satisfying it turned out. Now I keep these flavors on rotation because they hit the spot every time.

I always appreciate having a quick, flavorful chicken recipe ready, especially since these bites work so well on salads, in wraps, or alongside your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

• Dry mustard powder: the star of the rub that gives a vibrant tang Colman’s is a great brand to find near the spices aisle
• Brown sugar: adds caramelized sweetness that balances the mustard’s sharpness
• Paprika: contributes a smoky undertone and rich color go for sweet or smoked paprika based on preference
• Garlic powder: enhances depth without overpowering any other flavors
• Onion powder: rounds out the savory notes gently
• Salt: crucial for bringing all the flavors together use fine sea salt if you can
• Black pepper: fresh ground is best to give a touch of heat and earthy spice
• Cayenne pepper: adds a subtle kick adjust quantity if you prefer more or less heat
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: choose fresh or well—thawed cuts trimming into even bite—sized pieces ensures even cooking
• Olive oil: helps crisp the chicken outside and prevents sticking

Instructions

Spoon together the seasoning mix:

In a small dish carefully stir the dry mustard powder brown sugar paprika garlic powder onion powder salt black pepper and cayenne pepper. This blend will create a fragrant and flavorful dry rub that sticks perfectly to the chicken.

Coat the chicken bites with the spice mix:

Place the chicken pieces into a large bowl or mixing dish. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and use a spoon or your hands to toss everything until every piece is generously covered in the spice blend.

Heat the oil in your sauté pan:

Add the olive oil to a large sauté pan or skillet with a wall and put it over medium—high heat. Wait for the oil to become hot but not smoking this ensures a nice sear when the chicken hits the pan.

Cook the chicken bites thoroughly:

Once the oil is hot add the chicken bites in a single layer but avoid crowding the pan so they brown evenly. Stir every couple of minutes breaking up any pieces that stick together. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a golden exterior.

Remove from heat and serve:

Take the pan off the heat and serve the chicken bites immediately. They taste fantastic on their own or alongside salads rice or roasted vegetables.

My favorite ingredient in this recipe has to be the dry mustard powder. It perfectly cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar and gives the chicken an unmistakable tang that makes every bite interesting. One family dinner my kids were fighting over the leftovers which usually never happens with plain chicken so I consider that a win!

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. These chicken bites reheat beautifully in a skillet or microwave but reheating them gently over medium heat in a pan preserves the crispy edges best. If you want to freeze the chicken bites spread them on a baking sheet first to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This way they won’t stick together and are easy to pull out for quick meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute dry mustard powder with regular mustard powder just know the flavor might be a little less pungent. Light brown sugar works just as well as dark brown sugar though dark adds more depth and richness. Smoked paprika can replace regular paprika if you want to add smoky notes. Feel free to swap olive oil with avocado oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point. For a milder heat level reduce or omit the cayenne pepper entirely.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken bites shine when paired with fresh side salads or a simple grain like quinoa or rice. Wrapping them in a tortilla with fresh veggies and a drizzle of yogurt or ranch dressing makes for a quick and satisfying handheld meal. You can even toss them into a bowl with roasted veggies and some greens for an easy grain bowl lunch.

These chicken bites are quick to make and versatile for salads wraps or weeknight dinners. Enjoy them warm and save leftovers for easy meals later.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What spices are used in the seasoning?

The seasoning includes mustard powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne for spice.

→ How do you cook the chicken bites for best results?

Sauté the coated chicken pieces in olive oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through and golden.

→ Can these chicken bites be made ahead for meal prep?

Yes, they can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen, making them convenient for quick lunches or dinners.

→ What are good serving suggestions for these chicken bites?

Enjoy them atop salads, in wraps, grain bowls, or with steamed vegetables and rice for a complete meal.

→ How spicy are the chicken bites and can the heat be adjusted?

The bites have a mild spice from cayenne pepper that can be increased or decreased according to taste preferences.