Mediterranean Chicken Bites

Name: Mediterranean Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts (cut into cubes); 1 tablespoon Hidden Valley® Simply Ranch: Cucumber Basil Ranch; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 dashes cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (+ 1 tablespoon for grilling); Fresh parsley (for garnish); Cherry tomatoes (optional); Lemon wedges (optional)

Published: August 7, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Flavor-Packed: The Mediterranean marinade includes fresh herbs that infuse each bite with amazing flavor.
Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or salad topping; they fit perfectly into any meal plan.
Healthy Option: Low in carbs and high in protein, these chicken bites are a great choice for those on a healthy eating journey.
Grill or Pan-Seer: You can easily prepare these bites on an outdoor grill or stovetop, making them adaptable to your cooking methods.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Mediterranean Chicken Bites, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process. Having the right equipment can enhance your cooking experience and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Mixing bowl
Marinade brush
Skewers (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: A grill gives the chicken bites a lovely charred flavor that enhances their taste.
Mixing Bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily and marinate thoroughly.
Marinade Brush: Using a brush lets you evenly coat the chicken with oil while grilling for added moisture.

Ingredients

Mediterranean Chicken Bites – juicy, tender and the most flavorful chicken bites with Mediterranean marinade. So easy to make and delicious.

For the Chicken Bites

1 lb (500g) skinless and boneless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
1 tablespoon Hidden Valley® Simply Ranch: Cucumber Basil Ranch (plus more for dipping)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 dashes cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (+ 1 tablespoon for grilling)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
lemon wedges (optional)

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Bites

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating is crucial for infusing flavor into the chicken.

In a mixing bowl, combine Hidden Valley® Simply Ranch: Cucumber Basil Ranch, finely chopped oregano, lemon juice, salt, cayenne pepper, and olive oil.
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the bowl. Ensure all pieces are well-coated in the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

Getting your grill ready is essential for achieving perfect char marks.

Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
If using cherry tomatoes, thread them onto skewers if desired to make grilling easier.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Bites

Grilling adds wonderful flavor and texture to your chicken bites.

Place marinated chicken cubes onto the grill.
Cook each piece for about 5-7 minutes on each side until nice char marks form and they are cooked through.
During grilling, brush additional olive oil over the chicken occasionally for extra moisture.
If using cherry tomatoes, add them to the grill during the last few minutes until slightly softened but still plump.

Step 4: Serve Your Dish

Plating is key to presentation!

Remove grilled chicken from heat and let it rest briefly.
Serve your Mediterranean Chicken Bites with Hidden Valley® Simply Ranch: Cucumber Basil Ranch as a dipping sauce.
Garnish with lemon wedges and grilled cherry tomatoes if desired.

Enjoy these delightful Mediterranean Chicken Bites at your next gathering or as part of a healthy weeknight dinner!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bites

Serving Mediterranean Chicken Bites can elevate your dining experience. These flavorful bites are versatile and can be paired with various sides and dips for a delightful meal.

With Dipping Sauce

Ranch Dip: Serve with Hidden Valley® Simply Ranch: Cucumber Basil Ranch for a creamy, tangy accompaniment.
Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing yogurt-based sauce that complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

On a Salad

Greek Salad: Place the chicken bites on a bed of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese for a hearty salad.
Quinoa Salad: Combine with quinoa, parsley, and lemon for a healthy grain bowl option.

As a Sandwich

Pita Wrap: Stuff in warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a quick meal.
Flatbread: Create an open-faced sandwich on flatbread topped with grilled veggies and feta.

How to Perfect Mediterranean Chicken Bites

To achieve perfectly cooked Mediterranean Chicken Bites, follow these helpful tips.

Marinate Longer: Let the chicken marinate for at least two hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like oregano will give your bites more vibrant flavors compared to dried ones.
Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before cooking; this helps create those beautiful char marks.
Monitor Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.

Best Side Dishes for Mediterranean Chicken Bites

Pairing side dishes with your Mediterranean Chicken Bites can complete your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

Mediterranean Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs and spices that complement the chicken well.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender make a colorful and healthy side.
Hummus and Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with crispy pita chips adds a delightful crunch.
Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes provide a hearty contrast to the lightness of the chicken.
Tabbouleh Salad: A fresh parsley salad that adds brightness and flavor harmony with the chicken bites.
Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): Flavorful grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs offer an authentic touch.
Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous mixed with veggies creates an easy-to-prepare side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mediterranean Chicken Bites, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

Ignoring the marinating time: Skipping the marination can lead to bland chicken. Allow at least 1 hour for the flavors to infuse.
Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Grill until just cooked through, checking with a meat thermometer for best results.
Not using fresh herbs: Dried herbs lack the vibrant flavor of fresh ones. Always opt for fresh oregano when possible for a more authentic taste.
Grilling tomatoes too long: Grilling cherry tomatoes too long can cause them to burst and lose flavor. Grill them just until slightly cooked but still plump.
Using the wrong oil: Not all oils are created equal. Use olive oil for grilling as it enhances flavor and withstands high heat better than others.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Allow the chicken to cool before sealing.

Freezing Mediterranean Chicken Bites

Place cooled bites in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Mediterranean Chicken Bites

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Mediterranean Chicken Bites:

How can I customize Mediterranean Chicken Bites?

You can add your favorite vegetables or spices to the marinade. Consider bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I make these Mediterranean Chicken Bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and grill it when ready. This makes meal prep easier!

What should I serve with Mediterranean Chicken Bites?

These bites pair well with a fresh salad, rice, or pita bread. Add some tzatziki sauce for extra flavor!

Are Mediterranean Chicken Bites healthy?

Absolutely! They are high in protein and low in carbs, perfect for a balanced diet. The use of fresh ingredients adds nutritional value.

Final Thoughts

Mediterranean Chicken Bites are not only delicious but also versatile enough to fit various occasions. You can easily customize them with different herbs and vegetables based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!