Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bites Recipe
When you try this Chicken Bites recipe, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The blend of flavors is simply irresistible, and I love how easy it’s to prepare.
These bites are perfect for any occasion, whether I’m hosting friends or just want a quick snack. The crispy phyllo dough combined with the savory filling makes every bite delightful.
Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike! I can’t get enough of how versatile they are; you can adapt the filling to suit your taste.
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Chicken Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before diving into this delicious recipe:
- 1/2 lb ground chicken, cooked
- 1/2 cup rice, cooked
- 1 (12 ounce) can cream soup (any flavor)
- 3/4 cup skim milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced fine
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Thyme, to taste
- 2 (60 g) packages phyllo dough shells (or an equal amount of phyllo dough sheets)
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. First off, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; you can totally switch up the protein or the flavor of the cream soup to match your pantry or your mood. Have some leftover rotisserie chicken? Perfect. Want a kick of flavor? Go for a spicy soup. And don’t fret if you’re feeling fancy—fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more, so if you have some thyme growing in your garden, throw a bit in for good measure. Just remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t stress too much about the details. You got this!
How to Make Chicken Bites
Alright, let’s get cooking those Chicken Bites! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (that’s about 176.6°C for anyone keeping track).
While the oven warms up, grab a non-stick skillet and toss in 1/2 lb of cooked ground chicken along with 2 minced garlic cloves. As the savory aroma wafts through your kitchen, give it a good stir. Seriously, if you could bottle that smell, you’d be a millionaire.
Next, it’s time to add some oomph to your skillet. Mix in 1/2 cup of cooked rice and that trusty 12-ounce can of cream soup—any flavor you fancy will do. Whether it’s chicken, mushroom, or something adventurous, just go with what excites your taste buds.
To smooth everything out, slowly pour in about 3/4 cup of skim milk. Now, don’t go dumping it all in at once; you want to find that sweet spot where it’s creamy but not soupy. Give it a taste and season with salt, black pepper, and a dash of thyme. It’s like giving your dish a warm hug.
If you’re using phyllo dough shells, you’ll want to prepare those next. Pre-bake them for 10-15 minutes until they’re just starting to crisp up. If you’re like me and forgot to get the pre-made shells, don’t sweat it. Just cut your phyllo dough sheets into squares, spray a little cooking spray in between layers (because, why not?), and then pop them in the oven.
Once your filling is ready and the shells are prepped, carefully spoon that delicious mixture into the shells, place them on a cookie sheet, and bake in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden color on those shells—crispy is the name of the game.
When they’re done, take them out, garnish with fresh thyme (if you have it, no pressure), and serve warm. Just imagine the smiles when you present these little bites of joy to your family or friends. Enjoy!
Chicken Bites Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Chicken Bites, there are plenty of delicious substitutions and variations to contemplate.
Try swapping ground chicken for turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Instead of cream soup, I often use a homemade cheese sauce for a rich flavor.
You can also add different vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the filling. For a twist, experiment with spices—cajun seasoning or smoked paprika can add a kick.
Finally, switch out phyllo dough for wonton wrappers for a fun, crispy alternative. Enjoy exploring these tasty options!
Additional Tips & Notes
While you’re preparing your Chicken Bites, keep in mind a few extra tips to elevate your dish.
First, don’t rush the pre-baking of the phyllo dough; crisp shells make all the difference.
I also recommend using a mix of herbs for added flavor—thyme with a touch of rosemary can be delightful.
If you like a little kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
Finally, serve these bites warm; they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch or a zesty aioli for a delicious twist!