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Diced Chicken Recipes (10 Hearty and Irresistible Meals)
Do you ever find yourself staring at a package of diced chicken, wondering what to do with it? Maybe you’ve got a busy weeknight, hungry kids, and barely enough time to make something satisfying. Or perhaps you’re craving something new but aren’t sure where to begin. Well, you’re in luck! This post is all about diced chicken recipes—the kind that transforms your everyday chicken into something extraordinary with minimal effort.
Diced chicken is a lifesaver in the kitchen. It’s quick to cook, versatile, and can be transformed into a hearty meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned home cook, these diced chicken recipes will walk you through creating delicious meals without the hassle. From exotic spices to comforting home flavors, we’ve got you covered with recipes using diced chicken that are perfect for any occasion.
Did you know that diced chicken breast recipes are not only popular for their health benefits but also ideal for quick cooking? They’re lean, high in protein, and absorb flavors beautifully, making them perfect for everything from stir-fries to soups. Let’s dive into the world of diced chicken recipes with these ten hearty options that will change the way you look at this kitchen staple!
Why You’ll Love These Diced Chicken Recipes
- Quick & Easy: Most of these diced chicken recipes can be made in under 30 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Diced chicken is a cost-effective protein that stretches far.
- Versatile: From spicy to mild, and from stir-fries to stews, there’s something here for every taste.
General Information About Diced Chicken Recipes
Diced chicken recipes are a staple in kitchens worldwide. Not only are they fast to prepare, but they also absorb flavors well and can be adapted into a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or exotic flavors, recipes using diced chicken allow for creative freedom in the kitchen.
Why Choose Diced Chicken?
- Nutritional Benefits: Chicken, especially diced chicken breast, is a lean source of protein, making it ideal for health-conscious cooks.
- Versatility: You can find recipes using diced chicken in curries, salads, pastas, soups, and stir-fries.
- Ease of Preparation: These diced chicken recipes are quick to cook, which is perfect for time-strapped individuals.
Diced chicken breast recipes pair well with many different ingredients. Whether you’re looking for hearty or light meals, chopped chicken recipes offer endless possibilities.
10 Hearty and Easy Diced Chicken Recipes
1. Moroccan Spiced Diced Chicken Tagine
History of the Moroccan Tagine
The Moroccan Tagine is a slow-cooked dish named after the earthenware pot it is cooked in. The origins of the tagine go back to the Berbers, an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa. The dish is traditionally cooked over charcoal and combines meat, vegetables, dried fruits, and spices like Ras el Hanout. Today, diced chicken recipes like this one are a beloved staple of Moroccan cuisine.
Recipe Card
Recipe | Moroccan Spiced Diced Chicken Tagine |
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Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 40 minutes |
Total Time | 50 minutes |
Recipe Category | Main Course |
Servings | 4 |
Calories | 320 kcal |
Cuisine | Moroccan |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Diced chicken thighs | 500g |
Ras el Hanout | 2 tbsp |
Dried apricots (chopped) | ½ cup |
Chickpeas | 1 can |
Honey | 1 tbsp |
Cinnamon stick | 1 |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
- Coat the diced chicken with Ras el Hanout. Heat olive oil in a tagine or pot.
- Brown the chicken, then add apricots, chickpeas, honey, and the cinnamon stick.
- Simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender. Serve with couscous.
2. Thai Green Curry with Diced Chicken
History of Thai Green Curry
Thai Green Curry is one of Thailand’s most popular diced chicken recipes, known for its fragrant spices and creamy coconut base. The green color comes from fresh green chilies and herbs like basil and cilantro. Thai Green Curry is a classic diced chicken recipe that balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Recipe Card
Recipe | Thai Green Curry with Diced Chicken |
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Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 30 minutes |
Recipe Category | Main Course |
Servings | 4 |
Calories | 280 kcal |
Cuisine | Thai |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Diced chicken breast | 500g |
Coconut milk | 1 can |
Thai green curry paste | 3 tbsp |
Fish sauce | 1 tbsp |
Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
Broccoli florets | 1 cup |
Baby corn (sliced) | 1 cup |
Vegetable oil | 1 tbsp |
Fresh basil and lime | For garnish |
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add green curry paste and fry until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar, and bring to a simmer.
- Add broccoli and baby corn, cooking until vegetables are tender.
- Serve with jasmine rice, garnished with fresh basil and lime.
3. Indian Butter Chicken with Diced Chicken Breast
History of Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a dish that originated in Delhi in the 1950s. The combination of butter, cream, and spices in this diced chicken recipe led to the creation of one of India’s most famous dishes. Diced chicken breast recipes like this are globally loved and often served with naan or rice.
Recipe Card
Recipe | Indian Butter Chicken |
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Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 30 minutes |
Total Time | 45 minutes |
Recipe Category | Main Course |
Servings | 4 |
Calories | 410 kcal |
Cuisine | Indian |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Diced chicken breast | 500g |
Plain yogurt | 1 cup |
Garam masala | 1 tbsp |
Turmeric | 1 tsp |
Cumin | 1 tsp |
Chili powder | 1 tsp |
Crushed tomatoes | 1 can |
Heavy cream | 1 cup |
Butter | 1 tbsp |
Vegetable oil | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
- Marinate the diced chicken breast in yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chopped chicken and brown for 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the cream and return the diced chicken to the skillet. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
4. Caribbean Jerk Diced Chicken Salad
History of Jerk Chicken
Jerk Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish originating from Jamaica. It is marinated with a variety of spices, including allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers, giving it a distinctively spicy, smoky flavor. Cubed chicken recipes like this one showcase the bold flavors of jerk seasoning in an easy-to-make salad.
Recipe Card
Recipe | Caribbean Jerk Diced Chicken Salad |
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Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 10 minutes |
Total Time | 25 minutes |
Recipe Category | Salad |
Servings | 4 |
Calories | 320 kcal |
Cuisine | Caribbean |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Diced chicken breast | 500g |
Jerk seasoning | 2 tbsp |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Mixed greens | 2 cups |
Mango (sliced) | 1 |
Avocado (sliced) | 1 |
Red onion (thinly sliced) | ½ |
Lime vinaigrette (optional) |
Instructions
- Coat the diced chicken breast with jerk seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook chicken for 8-10 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- In a large salad bowl, toss mixed greens, mango, avocado, and red onion.
- Top with jerk diced chicken and drizzle with lime vinaigrette.
5. Peruvian Chicken Stir-Fry (Pollo Saltado)
History of Pollo Saltado
Pollo Saltado is a traditional Peruvian dish that blends Chinese and Peruvian culinary traditions. The dish combines the Chinese technique of stir-frying with Peruvian ingredients like aji amarillo and vinegar. Chopped chicken recipes like this are popular in Peruvian “Chifa” cuisine, which fuses Chinese and Peruvian flavors.
Recipe Card
Recipe | Peruvian Chicken Stir-Fry (Pollo Saltado) |
---|---|
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Total Time | 25 minutes |
Recipe Category | Main Course |
Servings | 4 |
Calories | 330 kcal |
Cuisine | Peruvian |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Cubed chicken | 500g |
Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
White vinegar | 1 tbsp |
Onion (sliced) | 1 |
Tomato (sliced) | 1 |
Aji amarillo paste | 1 tbsp |
Vegetable oil | 1 tbsp |
French fries (for serving) |
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the soy sauce, vinegar, and aji amarillo paste, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the onions and tomatoes, cooking until softened.
- Serve over crispy French fries for an authentic touch.
6. Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
This chopped chicken recipe features diced chicken tossed in a creamy pesto sauce, served over pasta. It’s an easy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Recipe Card
Recipe | Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta |
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Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 30 minutes |
Recipe Category | Main Course |
Servings | 4 |
Calories | 480 kcal |
Cuisine | Italian |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Chopped chicken breast | 500g |
Pasta (penne or fusilli) | 200g |
Pesto sauce | 1 cup |
Heavy cream | 1 cup |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and add the chopped chicken. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 6-8 minutes.
- Add pesto sauce and cream, stirring until combined and heated through.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve.
7. Buffalo Chicken Wraps
This recipe is all about chopped chicken breast cooked in spicy buffalo sauce and wrapped in a soft tortilla with crunchy lettuce and ranch dressing. Quick, tasty, and perfect for a casual dinner.
Recipe Card
Recipe | Buffalo Chicken Wraps |
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Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Total Time | 25 minutes |
Recipe Category | Main Course |
Servings | 4 |
Calories | 350 kcal |
Cuisine | American |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Chopped chicken breast | 500g |
Buffalo sauce | 1/4 cup |
Tortillas | 4 |
Shredded lettuce | 1 cup |
Ranch dressing | 1/4 cup |
Instructions
- Cook the chicken in a pan until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add the buffalo sauce to coat the chopped chicken.
- In each tortilla, layer the lettuce, diced chicken, and drizzle with ranch dressing. Roll up the wraps and serve.
8. Honey Garlic Diced Chicken
Sweet and savory, this recipe using diced chicken is perfect for when you want something simple but full of flavor. The honey caramelizes beautifully, giving the chicken a crispy exterior.
Recipe Card
Recipe | Honey Garlic Diced Chicken |
---|---|
Prep Time | 5 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Total Time | 20 minutes |
Recipe Category | Main Course |
Servings | 4 |
Calories | 320 kcal |
Cuisine | Chinese-American |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Diced chicken breast | 500g |
Honey | 1/4 cup |
Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
Vegetable oil | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add the diced chicken. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the garlic and soy sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the honey and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
9. Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
These grilled cubed chicken recipes are light and refreshing. The chicken is marinated in lemon juice and garlic, then threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection.
Recipe Card
Recipe | Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers |
---|---|
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Total Time | 25 minutes |
Recipe Category | Main Course |
Servings | 4 |
Calories | 250 kcal |
Cuisine | Mediterranean |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Cubed chicken breast | 500g |
Lemon juice | Juice of 2 lemons |
Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and oregano. Add the cubed chicken and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Thread the cubed chicken onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
10. Diced Chicken Fajitas
This is one of those easy diced chicken recipes that’s perfect for a crowd. Sizzling peppers, onions, and tender diced chicken come together in a delicious, easy-to-assemble fajita.
Recipe Card
Recipe | Diced Chicken Fajitas |
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Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 30 minutes |
Recipe Category | Main Course |
Servings | 4 |
Calories | 350 kcal |
Cuisine | Mexican |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Diced chicken breast | 500g |
Red bell pepper (sliced) | 1 |
Green bell pepper (sliced) | 1 |
Onion (sliced) | 1 |
Fajita seasoning | 2 tbsp |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Tortillas | For serving |
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the diced chicken for 8-10 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers, onion, and fajita seasoning. Cook for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips for Cooking Diced Chicken
Cooking with diced chicken can be easy and efficient with the right approach. Here are some expert tips to make your cooking experience even smoother:
- Don’t skip the marinade: Even if you only have 15 minutes, marinating your chopped chicken with some oil, acid (lemon juice), and herbs will significantly improve flavor.
- Use high heat for searing: When stir-frying or pan-searing diced chicken, ensure the pan is hot before adding the meat. This gives it a beautiful golden crust without overcooking the interior.
- Monitor cooking time: Diced chicken recipes cook quickly—usually in under 10 minutes. Overcooking can dry it out, so remove it from the heat as soon as it’s done.
FAQs About Diced Chicken Recipes
What’s the best way to season diced chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate diced chicken with herbs and spices or a sauce for at least 15-30 minutes. For a quick seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder work wonders.
Can I freeze diced chicken?
Yes, diced chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
How long does it take to cook diced chicken?
Diced chicken typically cooks in about 6-8 minutes on medium heat in a pan. Make sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s done.
What’s the difference between diced and cubed chicken?
“Diced” refers to smaller, uniform pieces of chicken, while “cubed” usually implies slightly larger chunks. Both are used interchangeably in diced chicken recipes but can affect cooking time.
Conclusion: Get Cooking with Diced Chicken!
There’s no need to be intimidated by diced chicken recipes. Whether you’re a novice or a pro in the kitchen, these easy diced chicken recipes will help you create delicious, hearty meals that your family will love. From the exotic spices of Morocco to the comforting flavors of a buffalo chicken wrap, the possibilities are endless. So, grab that package of diced chicken from your fridge and get cooking!
Craving even more delicious chicken recipes? Check out our quick and easy guide to Chopped Chicken Recipes (6 Quick & Delicious Ideas) for more hearty and flavorful meal ideas!
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