Brown Sugar Mustard Chicken Bites

These Brown Sugar Mustard Rubbed Chicken Bites are a perfect balance of sweet and savory with just a touch of heat. They come together quickly, making them an ideal option for a speedy weeknight dinner or a proteinpacked meal prep. I love how the combination of brown sugar and mustard powder creates a flavorful crust on tender chicken bites that my whole family can enjoy.

I discovered this recipe when I wanted to make a honeymustard style chicken but preferred a dry rub to avoid sticky fingers. It quickly became a favorite because the sweet and spicy contrast is addictive, and it’s so easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• Dry mustard powder: key for that distinct tangy mustard flavor, I recommend Colman’s if you can find it
• Brown sugar: adds the sweet caramelized notes that balance the spices
• Paprika: brings a mild smokiness and depth, choose sweet paprika for a subtle flavor
• Garlic powder: a fundamental savory component that enhances the overall taste
• Onion powder: complements the garlic and deepens the seasoning
• Salt: essential for bringing out all the flavors
• Black pepper: for mild heat and earthiness, freshly ground works best
• Cayenne pepper: offers a subtle kick, adjust to your preferred spice level
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: choose fresh and firm chicken for best texture
• Olive oil: for cooking the chicken, use a good quality extra virgin for flavor

Instructions

Searing the chicken bites:

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over mediumhigh heat in a large skillet. While waiting for the oil to warm, cut the chicken into small bitesized pieces if you haven’t done so already.

Preparing the rub:

In a small bowl, mix dry mustard powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all the spices evenly.

Coating the chicken:

Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them. Toss the chicken thoroughly with your hands or a spoon to ensure every bite is coated with the spice rub.

Cooking the chicken:

Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow each piece to cook evenly and develop a bit of a golden crust. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly caramelized on the outside.

Serving:

Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Serve them right away with a side salad, steamed veggies, or tossed in your favorite grain bowl.

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the dry rub itself. The balance of sweet brown sugar with the tang and subtle heat from mustard and cayenne makes every bite exciting. I remember making a big batch for a weekend lunch prep and my kids kept asking when I was making them again because they loved how flavorful and juicy the chicken bites turned out.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan to keep the exterior crispy and tender inside. You can also freeze the cooked bites in a freezersafe bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have dry mustard powder try using prepared mustard mixed with a little flour to absorb moisture but reduce oil when cooking. Brown sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar or white sugar. Paprika can be replaced with smoked paprika for a different smoky twist. If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken bites are wonderful on top of a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or tucked into a wrap with fresh veggies and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. Serve alongside rice or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. They also make an excellent protein addition to a grain bowl with quinoa or farro.

These chicken bites are simple to make and deliver big flavor for weeknight dinners or meal prep. They’re excellent for serving in salads, wraps, or as a proteinpacked addition to any meal.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What ingredients create the flavor in these chicken bites?

The flavor comes from a dry rub blend including brown sugar, dry mustard powder, paprika, garlic and onion powders, black pepper, salt, and cayenne for a subtle spicy kick.

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

Cooking time is around 6-8 minutes over medium-high heat until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned.

→ Can these chicken bites be used in different meals?

Yes, they’re versatile and can be served with salads, rice, veggies, in wraps, or grain bowls.

→ What cut of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces works best for even cooking and quick sautéing.

→ Is there a recommended way to prepare the chicken chunks before cooking?

Trim chicken breasts into cutlets and use the trimmed pieces for these bites; this ensures even size and faster cooking.