The week is almost over, and you’re looking for a cozy meal. But cooking for hours seems too much. I get it. As a busy parent, I’ve been there too. That’s why I’m excited to share quick and easy diced chicken recipes for your weeknights.
These recipes are great for when you need a tasty meal fast. With just a few ingredients and 15 minutes of prep, you can make dishes like honey garlic chicken or chicken and rice bowls. The key is diced chicken that cooks quickly and fits into many meals.
Key Takeaways
- Discover a collection of quick and easy diced chicken recipes for busy weeknights.
- Learn time-saving tips for perfectly cooked chicken cubes in 15 minutes or less.
- Explore versatile serving ideas, from rice and noodle bowls to fresh salads.
- Find recipes with simple, flavorful sauces that elevate diced chicken to new heights.
- Enjoy meal prep and storage tips to make the most of your diced chicken dishes.
Why Diced Chicken Is Perfect for Quick Weeknight Meals
Diced chicken is a top pick for fast and easy dinners. It’s quick to cook and comes pre-cut, making it perfect for busy nights. You can whip up tasty, healthy meals in no time with diced chicken.
Benefits of Using Pre-Cut Chicken
Pre-cut diced chicken saves you a lot of time. You don’t have to spend hours cutting and cubing chicken. Just grab a package and start cooking. This way, you can enjoy making and eating your meal without stress.
Time-Saving Preparation Tips
- Cut chicken into 1/2-inch cubes for optimal cooking performance and texture.
- Invest in a sharp chef’s knife and high-quality cutting board to make dicing chicken a breeze.
- Consider batch-prepping diced chicken on the weekends to have it ready to go throughout the week.
Storage and Meal Prep Guidelines
Proper storage and meal prep make diced chicken even more convenient. Cooked chicken can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for 4-5 days or frozen for 1-2 months. This way, you can use it in many dishes like stir-fries, casseroles, salads, and rice bowls all week.
Diced chicken is ideal for quick weeknights because it cooks fast, is versatile, and easy to prepare. It’s a great way to save time and make delicious meals without hassle. So, get ready to enjoy quick and easy dinners with diced chicken.
15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Cubes
Craving a quick and delicious chicken dish for dinner tonight? This 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Cubes recipe is perfect. It features tender chicken cubes in a savory-sweet sauce. The sauce is made with honey, garlic, and a hint of spice.
The secret to this recipe is using pre-cut chicken cubes. This saves you time by skipping the step of cutting the meat. Simply sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown, then toss it in the honey garlic sauce. Serve it over rice with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
The sauce is the real star of this dish. It’s a mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes. This sauce is versatile and can be used with other proteins or in stir-fries.
This honey garlic chicken recipe is quick and flavorful. It has only 5 simple ingredients and cooks in just 15 minutes. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal everyone will enjoy.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Diced Chicken Recipes
To make tasty diced chicken dishes, you need a few key tools. These tools help you prepare and cook the chicken well. The right equipment turns simple ingredients into delicious meals.
Recommended Cutting Techniques
A sharp chef’s knife is the base of any diced chicken recipe. It lets you cut chicken breasts or thighs quickly and evenly. Use a mincing motion to get uniform cubes.
Must-Have Cooking Equipment
A large skillet or wok is crucial for cooking diced chicken. It gives you enough room to sear, sauté, or stir-fry the chicken. This ensures even cooking and browning.
Don’t forget a sturdy cutting board, measuring spoons, and a whisk for easy sauce making. For keeping chicken fresh, use airtight storage containers. A meat thermometer is also essential to check the chicken’s temperature. For Asian flavors, a microplane is great for mincing garlic and ginger.
With the right tools and techniques, you can make tasty diced chicken dishes. They’re perfect for quick meals or meal prep.
Asian-Inspired Diced Chicken Recipes
Explore the vibrant tastes of Asia with these quick and easy diced chicken recipes. Enjoy the savory teriyaki chicken and the sweet orange chicken. These dishes are great for stir-fry nights or a tasty family dinner.
Begin with a classic teriyaki chicken. Cook diced chicken in a wok or skillet with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar. Add crisp bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a healthy meal. Serve over steaming rice or noodles for a full Asian feast.
For a spicy kick, try kung pao chicken. Mix diced chicken with a sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili-garlic sauce, and peanuts. The mix of heat, acid, and crunch is exciting. Enjoy it over fluffy jasmine rice for a fulfilling meal.
Want something sweet and tangy? Make orange chicken. Cook diced chicken in a sauce of orange juice, soy sauce, and honey. The citrus and caramelized chicken are a hit. Top with green onions and sesame seeds for a colorful dish.
These Asian-inspired diced chicken recipes are tasty and flexible. Try different veggies, seasonings, and cooking ways to make your own stir-fries. Dive into the bold flavors of Asia and make your weeknights special with these easy chicken recipes.
Healthy Diced Chicken Salad Variations
Make your lunchtime better with protein-rich chicken salad recipes. Diced chicken is great for making fresh, tasty salads. Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. Add crunchy veggies and juicy fruits for extra flavor.
Protein-Packed Lunch Options
For a quick lunch, mix diced chicken with celery, red onion, and herbs like parsley or dill. Use a creamy Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and vinegar dressing. Add toasted almonds or pecans for extra protein and crunch. Serve on greens or in a whole-grain wrap for a full meal.
Fresh and Light Dinner Ideas
Make a Mediterranean-style salad with diced chicken, grape tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a light dinner. You can also add quinoa or brown rice for a more filling meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 pounds |
| Raw Almonds, Sliced | 1/2 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Grapes, Quartered | 1 cup |
| Celery Ribs, Diced | 2 |
| Green Onions, Sliced (Green and White Parts) | 3 |
| Parsley, Finely Chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Tarragon, Finely Chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon Juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Kosher Salt | To Taste |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper | To Taste |
This healthy chicken salad has 145 calories and 11 grams of fat per 1/2 cup. It’s a tasty and guilt-free option for lunch.
Olena Osipov, the recipe author, says you can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy it on greens, in a wrap, or as a snack.
One-Pan Diced Chicken Stir-Fry
A flavorful chicken stir fry recipe is perfect for quick dinners. With pre-diced chicken, you can make this one-pan meal in 15 minutes. It’s ideal for busy nights.
Start by heating a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. Add the diced chicken and cook for 4 minutes, until it’s lightly browned. Then, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, celery, baby carrots, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
In a small bowl, mix arrowroot flour and water to make a smooth sauce. Pour the sauce into the skillet with coconut aminos, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens, coating the chicken and vegetables.
Next, add frozen broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes, until heated through. Serve the one-pan chicken stir fry over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 547 |
| Carbohydrates | 68g |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Sodium | 1859mg |
| Potassium | 1003mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Vitamin A | 9122IU |
| Vitamin C | 78mg |
| Calcium | 144mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
This one-pan chicken stir fry is quick, easy, and nutritious. It’s a great gluten-free weeknight dinner option. Plus, leftovers can be stored for up to 5 days, perfect for meal prep.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the recipe. Asparagus, green beans, mushrooms, or zucchini are all great choices. This way, you can make a delicious and quick chicken stir fry that everyone will love.
Creamy Diced Chicken Casseroles
Craving something comforting and homemade? A creamy diced chicken casserole is the answer. These dishes mix tender chicken with creamy sauces and veggies. They’re topped with a crispy crust.
Using diced chicken saves time. It’s already cut up, so you just mix it with other ingredients and bake. These casseroles can also be made ahead and reheated when you’re busy.
| Chicken Casserole Recipe | Nutrition (per serving) |
|---|---|
| 340 calories | 15g carbohydrates, 28g protein, 18g fat, 5g saturated fat |
| 90mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 658mg potassium | 1g fiber, 1g sugar, 225IU Vitamin A, 4.2mg Vitamin C, 41mg Calcium, 1.5mg Iron |
| 4.95 out of 5 stars rating from 628 votes | – |
Try a chicken and mushroom casserole for comfort. Mix 2 1/2 pounds of chicken with 1 pound of mushrooms, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Add seasonings. Top with Ritz crackers and melted butter, then bake until bubbly.
For a cheesy chicken and potato casserole, start with 3 pounds of diced potatoes and 3-4 shredded chicken breasts. Use a creamy sauce with milk, cream of chicken soup, and spices. Top with cheddar cheese and bake until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden.
Choose any creamy diced chicken casserole for a comforting meal. They’re perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings. Enjoy the convenience and delicious flavors of chicken, veggies, and creamy sauces.
Budget-Friendly Diced Chicken Recipes
Eating well on a budget is easy. Diced chicken is a great choice because it’s affordable and versatile. You can make tasty, budget-friendly meals with it. Just use smart cooking tips and ingredient swaps to enjoy nutritious and satisfying dishes.
Cost-Effective Ingredient Substitutions
Save money by choosing affordable ingredients. Use frozen veggies instead of fresh ones. They’re cheaper and just as good for you. Also, pick dried spices and herbs over fresh ones to save money and extend their shelf life.
Adding cheap staples like rice, pasta, or potatoes can also help stretch your budget. These ingredients are affordable and can make your meals more filling.
Bulk Cooking Strategies
Bulk cooking saves time and money. Buy a whole chicken and cut it yourself. This way, you get more meat for less money.
Cook big batches of diced chicken and freeze them for later. This makes meal prep easy and saves you time. Use these batches to make different meals by adding different sauces and veggies.
| Recipe | Calories | Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Pot Chicken and Rice | 214 – 721 | 6 – 31 | 38 – 220 | 381 – 1665 | 14 – 65 | 16 – 50 | 2 – 8 |
| Budget-Friendly Chicken Stir-Fry | 347 | 9 | N/A | N/A | 38 | 28 | 6 |
By using these budget-friendly tips, you can enjoy tasty, healthy meals without spending a lot. Get creative with your ingredients and take advantage of bulk cooking to save money.
Mediterranean-Style Diced Chicken Dishes
Bring the bold flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table with these easy and healthy diced chicken recipes. Use olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs like oregano and rosemary. You’ll make a variety of delightful dishes perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Start with Greek-inspired Mediterranean Chicken Skewers. Mix diced chicken with bell peppers and onions. Then, thread them onto skewers and grill or broil until cooked. Serve with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Try a Chicken and Orzo Salad for a light and refreshing option. Mix diced chicken with cooked orzo pasta, feta cheese, olives, and lemon vinaigrette. This dish combines tender chicken, nutty orzo, and briny olives, perfect for lunch or dinner.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 232 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Protein | 33g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 99mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
These Mediterranean-style diced chicken dishes are delicious and healthy. They’re packed with ingredients from the Mediterranean diet. By using olive oil, lemon, and herbs, you’ll make quick and flavorful meals that feel like a trip to the Mediterranean.
“The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, and olive oil.”
Family-Favorite Chicken and Rice Bowls
Make weeknight dinners special with customizable chicken and rice bowls. Start by cooking fluffy long-grain rice as the package says. While the rice cooks, season your diced chicken with your favorite flavors. You can use zesty taco seasoning or savory garlic and herb.
Layer the rice and chicken in your bowls. Then, let everyone add their favorite toppings. Try sautéed broccoli, black beans, shredded cheese, and creamy avocado sauce. This way, everyone gets to make their meal just right.
Each serving has a great mix of protein and carbs. With 1 pound of chicken and 2 cups of rice, it’s only 610 calories. It’s packed with 22 grams of protein, 112 grams of carbs, and important vitamins and minerals. These bowls are a hit for both quick dinners and weekend meals.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using pre-cut diced chicken?
Pre-cut diced chicken saves time. It cooks quickly and evenly. This makes it great for many recipes.
How should diced chicken be stored and prepped for meal prep?
Store cooked diced chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for 4-5 days. Or freeze it for 1-2 months. Cut chicken into 1/2-inch cubes for best results. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control sodium.
What essential kitchen tools are needed for diced chicken recipes?
You’ll need a large skillet or wok for stir-frying. A sharp chef’s knife and cutting board are also key. Don’t forget measuring spoons and a whisk for sauces. For meal prep, get airtight containers and a meat thermometer. This ensures chicken is cooked to 165°F.
How can I create healthy and budget-friendly diced chicken recipes?
Buy whole chickens to save money. Dice them yourself. Use frozen veggies for cheaper options. Add rice, pasta, or potatoes to make meals stretch.
Cook big batches of chicken and freeze it. This saves time and money later.
What are some quick and easy Asian-inspired diced chicken recipes?
Try teriyaki chicken, kung pao chicken, and orange chicken. These use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and Asian condiments. Cook chicken cubes fast in a wok or skillet.
Add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. This makes the dish quick and flavorful.
How can I create customizable diced chicken rice bowls?
Cook rice as the package says. Season diced chicken in different ways. Offer toppings like sautéed veggies, beans, cheese, and sauces.
Let everyone make their own bowl. This is great for meal prep and can fit many cuisines.
Source Links
- 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken – https://www.familyfoodonthetable.com/15-minute-honey-garlic-chicken/
- Quick + Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Cubes – https://thebalancednutritionist.com/chicken-cubes/
- 50+ Diced Chicken Recipes – https://easyfamilyrecipes.com/diced-chicken-recipes/
- 29 Easy Diced Chicken Recipes That Will Save Dinner – https://thesavvymama.com/diced-chicken-recipes/