Tender, juicy griddle-seared chicken bites, lightly seasoned and perfect for the whole family.
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 6 minutes
- Rest time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken tenderloins, cut into 1-inch bite-size pieces
- 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Cut each chicken tenderloin into 1-inch bite-size pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1–2 tablespoons of neutral oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of optional paprika until evenly coated. Let the chicken sit at room temperature while the griddle preheats.
- Preheat the griddle: Turn all burners to medium, close the lid, and heat the griddle for 10–15 minutes until the surface temperature reaches 375–400°F. (A drop of water should dance and evaporate quickly on the surface, not instantly explode into steam.)
- Cook: Spread the chicken pieces into a single layer on the hot griddle. Do not crowd the griddle; cook in batches if necessary. Leave the chicken alone for about 2½–3 minutes so it develops a nice golden crust.
- Flip: Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Start checking the temperature around the 5-minute mark. Pull the pieces when the thickest ones reach 160–162°F (they will coast to 165°F while resting).
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the griddle and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For kids/toddlers: Cut any larger pieces in half and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Don't move too early: Let the chicken brown before flipping to ensure a nice crust.
- Use a thermometer: Don't cook by time alone—always use your instant-read thermometer.
- Batch cooking: If cooking multiple batches, keep finished chicken loosely tented with foil while the last batch cooks.
- Avoid drying out: Chicken tenderloins are lean and can dry out quickly, so err on the side of pulling them at 160–162°F rather than waiting until every piece reads exactly 165°F.