Brown Sugar Mustard Chicken Bites

These Brown Sugar Mustard Rubbed Chicken Bites bring together a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with just a touch of heat. They come together quickly in about 20 minutes, making them a fantastic choice when you need a satisfying meal fast. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep to power through the week, these chicken bites are simple, delicious, and rely on ingredients you likely have on hand.

I started making these when I wanted a honey mustard vibe but didn’t want a messy sauce. The dry rub worked beautifully and now these chicken bites have become a regular in my kitchen rotation that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

• One tablespoon dry mustard powder: adds bright, tangy flavor I recommend a quality brand like Colman’s for the best punch
• Two teaspoons packed brown sugar: brings subtle sweetness that balances the mustard and spices use fresh brown sugar that is slightly moist for clumping up in the rub
• One and a half teaspoons paprika: adds smoky warmth and rich color go for smoked paprika if you want to deepen the flavor profile
• Half teaspoon garlic powder: for gentle savory depth avoid fresh garlic here to keep the coating dry and even
• Half teaspoon onion powder: builds aromatic complexity without overpowering
• Half teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors opt for kosher salt for even seasoning
• Quarter teaspoon black pepper: adds mild bite freshly ground if possible
• Eighth teaspoon cayenne pepper: delivers a subtle kick increase to a quarter teaspoon if you want more heat
• One pound raw boneless skinless chicken breast cut into small bite-sized pieces: lean and tender make sure it's fresh and trimmed of any excess fat
• One tablespoon olive oil: helps crisp up the chicken bites while keeping them juicy

Instructions

Spoon together the Spice Rub:

In a small bowl, combine dry mustard powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir them thoroughly to get an even blend, which will ensure each chicken bite has that perfect flavor coating.

Coat the Chicken Bites:

Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into a mixing bowl. Pour the dry spice mixture over the chicken. Use a spoon or your hands to toss the chicken pieces until each one is evenly coated with the rub. This step locks in flavor and creates a great crust when cooked.

Heat the Pan and Oil:

Add olive oil to a large sauté pan or skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers but before it smokes, so the chicken cooks evenly without sticking or burning.

Cook the Chicken Bites:

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot pan without overcrowding. Stir immediately to coat them in the oil and separate the pieces so they cook evenly. Cook the chicken for about six to eight minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to brown all sides. The chicken should be cooked through and golden in spots. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

My favorite part of this recipe is the dry rub itself which comes together in seconds but creates deep flavor and texture. I have fond memories of making these for a quick dinner during a busy workweek and my family requesting seconds because of the perfect sweet and savory mix.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispness rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy. This makes them an excellent meal prep choice.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have dry mustard powder, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of prepared mustard but reduce the olive oil slightly to avoid excess moisture. Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a natural alternative without changing the flavor balance too much. Paprika can be swapped with chili powder if you want to vary the heat and smoky notes.

Serving suggestions

These chicken bites shine on top of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette or stuffed inside a whole-wheat wrap with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce. They are also fantastic tossed into a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and avocado for a wholesome nourishing meal.

Quick, versatile, and perfect for meal prep, these chicken bites are a reliable weeknight winner. Serve them warm atop salads, wraps, or grain bowls for an easy satisfying meal.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What spices are in the brown sugar mustard chicken bites?

The seasoning includes dry mustard powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

→ How long does it take to cook these chicken bites?

They take about 6-8 minutes to cook in a sauté pan once coated with the seasoning and oil, making the total prep and cook time around 20 minutes.

→ Can these chicken bites be used in meal prep?

Yes, these chicken bites are perfect for meal prep as they store well and can be added to salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.

→ What is the texture of the chicken bites after cooking?

They are tender inside with a lightly golden and slightly crispy exterior from pan-searing with the spice rub.

→ Can the spiciness be adjusted?

Absolutely, the cayenne pepper adds subtle heat which can be increased or decreased to your preferred level of spiciness.