How Long to Cook Diced Chicken
on Mar 30, 2023, Updated May 04, 2025
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Knowing how long to cook diced chicken is one of the many kitchen tips all cooks should know. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to get juicy, flavorful chicken bites—on the stove, in the oven, or even in the air fryer—with simple techniques that work every time.
Diced chicken is one of the most versatile proteins in your kitchen. Whether you’re making quick weeknight stir-fries, hearty pasta dishes, or prepping meals for the week, knowing how to cook diced chicken the right way is a game-changer.
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Table of Contents
Why You Need to Know This
I have been accused of being obsessed with all things food. This should come as no surprise for folks who know me as my last name literally translates into big eater, in the German language.
Thus, I love to talk about all things food, and not just recipes! I can spend hours talking about the best ways to grease a cake pan, the differences between baking soda and baking powder, and even discussions centered around questions like, why does chocolate hurt my teeth?
Chicken recipes are some of my favorite things to eat and knowing how long to cook diced chicken is an important part of making them.
Why These Recipes Works
Juicy, golden bites in minutes
You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just a hot pan, a little oil, and the right timing. Diced chicken cooks quickly, so it’s perfect for busy nights.
Works with breast or thigh meat
Whether you’re using chicken breast or boneless thighs, this method gives you tender, well-seasoned pieces that hold up in any dish.
Flexible cooking options
We cover stove, oven, and air fryer methods so you can pick what works best for your kitchen setup and schedule.
Diced chicken is a favorite way to use boneless skinless chicken breasts and boneless skinless chicken thighs. You can cut these into cubes at home or buy a pre-cut package of diced chicken at the grocery store.
Bite sizes of chicken can vary, but you don’t want to cut them any larger than 1-inch cubes. Also, you can expect them to shrink as they cook.
Food safety
Before we start, it’s important to note that raw meat can carry harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. To prevent this, always carefully handle raw chicken and follow safe food handling practices.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) when cooked. I always recommend this Thermapen One from Thermoworks. It is accurate, fast, and has an awesome five-year warranty.
How to Cook Diced Chicken on the Stove
- Cut chicken into even, bite-sized cubes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Pat dry with paper towels to help them sear instead of steam.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Chicken is done when golden brown and the internal temp hits 165°F.
Tip: Use a good skillet for cooking chicken and a digital cooking thermometer to be sure. Overcooking dries it out fast.
How to cook chicken pieces in a pan
One of the best ways to cook diced chicken is to sauté it in a little bit of olive oil over medium heat. For added flavor, season the poultry with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
How to Cook Diced Chicken in the Oven
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss chicken with oil and seasonings in a mixing bowl.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check that the thickest pieces reach 165°F.
For added crispness: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
How to make diced chicken in the oven
If you’re looking for a healthier option, try baking this in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (200°C).
Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and apply a layer of non-stick cooking spray.
Place the cubes in a mixing bowl, toss olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese, and stir well. For some added flavor, a little Italian seasoning goes a long way. Make sure the Parmesan cheese adheres to the cubes of meat. You can also season the chicken with chili powder, cayenne pepper, or your favorite seasoning mix.
To bake this in the oven, spread it in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake it for about 20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° F, you can take it out of the oven.
These oven-baked chicken bites are perfect for making soups, salads, and even chicken sandwiches.
How to Cook Diced Chicken in the Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Lightly oil and season your diced chicken.
- Place in basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
You’ll get golden, crispy edges and tender bites inside
How Long to Cook Diced Chicken in an Air Fryer
Another easy recipe for diced chicken is to make chicken nuggets in an air fryer. Simply coat the chicken cubes in corn starch, egg, and breadcrumbs or seasoning mix, and air fry them for about 10 minutes until they’re crispy and cooked through.
What to make with diced chicken
This is also great for stir-fried dishes. Heat a little vegetable oil or olive oil in a wok or large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the poultry and sliced vegetables like zucchini, onion, and bell pepper, and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the meat is cooked.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite seasoning mix, and serve over white rice or cauliflower rice for a delicious meal.
Diced chicken is a versatile meat used in many different recipes. It can also make meal prep time easier because there are so many good ways to use leftover chicken. These are just a few of my favorite ways to use leftover chicken:
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in zip-top bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out.
Final Tips for Best Results
- Cut pieces evenly for even cooking.
- Use a hot pan and don’t crowd it.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture.
- Check temp with a thermometer—165°F is your magic number.
This is the kind of everyday cooking that makes you feel like you’ve got dinner handled. Simple, fast, and always a hit.
Grab your skillet (or oven, or air fryer), and let’s get cookin
Common questions
Yes! You can cook this ahead of time and then store it in the fridge until ready to use. This makes meal times fast and easy.
The USDA recommends that leftover cooked chicken be stored at 40° F (or less) and used within 3 or 4 days. You can also keep it in the freezer for up to 3-4 months in an airtight container. After this, you should discard it.
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Related Recipes
You can use diced chicken in so many different family recipes. From slow cooker meals to this easy chicken casserole recipe, knowing how to cook diced chicken is something you’ll want to understand. Here are some of our other favorite ways to use diced chicken:
