It’s easy and quick to make a meal by baking frozen chicken bites. But you need to know how long to cook them for the best results. Not cooked enough chicken can be harmful, and bites that are cooked too long become dry and tough. This guide will show you how long to bake frozen chicken bites in the oven so that they always come out crispy and tasty.
Checking the Package for Oven Baking Instructions
The first step is always to check the cooking instructions on the package of frozen chicken bites. Different brands and types of bites vary in size breading and other factors that affect cooking time. Packages often list oven baking temperatures and times specifically for that product.
For instance, the Perdue Parmesan Baked Chicken Nuggets bag says to bake them at 425°F for 11 to 13 minutes. Following package guidance helps ensure you cook the bites properly. If there are no oven instructions, use these times as a general guide.
Key Oven Baking Tips for Frozen Chicken Bites
Preheating the oven fully before cooking is crucial. It’s not even cooking when you bake frozen foods in a cold oven.
For easy cleanup, put parchment paper or foil on baking sheets before you start baking. Arrange bites in a single layer without crowding.
Set the oven to bake at 400-425°F. Higher heat helps the breading get crispy.
Flip the bites halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
Let bites rest 2-3 minutes after cooking before serving. The temperature will rise slightly.
Approximate Oven Bake Times for Different Frozen Chicken Bites
- Breaded chicken nuggets – 15-20 minutes
- Breaded chicken tenders – 18-22 minutes
- Boneless breaded chicken bites – 20-25 minutes
- Boneless unbreaded chicken pieces – 22-28 minutes
- Bone-in breaded drumsticks or wings – 25-30 minutes
The exact time depends on the size of the pieces and oven temperature. Always double check with a thermometer before serving.
Why Cooking Time Varies for Frozen Chicken Bites
Many factors impact how long frozen chicken bites need to bake in the oven.
Size of the Pieces
Larger chicken pieces take longer to cook through than smaller nugget-sized bites. Breaded chunks or boneless breasts require more oven time than popcorn chicken.
Breading vs Unbreaded
The breading on products like nuggets and tenders adds time to the cooking process. Unbreaded boneless cuts cook faster.
Bone-In vs Boneless
Chicken pieces with bones, like wings and drumsticks, take longer to oven bake than an equal weight of boneless meat. The bones conduct heat slower.
Oven Temperature
Higher oven temperatures shorten cooking time by accelerating browning and heating. Lower temps extend bake times. Shoot for 400-425°F for frozen bites.
Crowded Pan
Too many pieces crowded together makes it harder for hot air to circulate evenly, extending cooking. Leave space between each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Having issues getting frozen chicken bites to come out right from the oven? Watch out for these common mistakes:
-
Not fully preheating the oven before baking
-
Overcrowding the pan
-
Baking at too low of a temperature
-
Not checking internal temperature with a thermometer
-
Skipping the standing time after baking
Follow the guidance above and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly cooked frozen chicken bites every time you bake them in the oven. The ideal combo of hot, crispy breading and moist, juicy chicken is just minutes away.
Serving Suggestions for Oven-Baked Chicken Bites
Once you’ve mastered the perfect oven cooking time for frozen chicken bites, it’s time to think about serving ideas. Here are some delicious ways to serve crispy baked chicken nuggets, tenders, and more:
-
Chicken bites with ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard or other dipping sauces
-
Toss bites in buffalo or garlic Parmesan sauce after baking
-
Serve on top of salads, pasta dishes, or nachos
-
Pair with homemade fries and slaw for DIY chicken finger baskets
-
Mix into rice bowls or tacos for added protein
-
Make chicken sandwiches with crunchy oven-baked bites
Take your oven-baked frozen chicken to the next level with flavorful sauces, seasonings, and creative recipes. Enjoy this quick and easy freezer staple in lots of delicious ways for meals or snacks.
So next time you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner, appetizer for a crowd, or snack on the go, look no further than frozen chicken bites baked to crispy perfection in the oven. In around 20 minutes, you can enjoy a versatile crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.
Both the microwave and toaster-oven nuggets were mushy. I’ll never be microwaving my nuggets again.
I tried one nugget at a time for each method before cutting it open or dipping it in ketchup.
Microwave: As soon as I bit into this nugget, I immediately thought of it as “hard mush. ” This seems impossible to achieve, but it was. The exterior was mushy and wet but the inside was very dense and dry. There was no crunch.
Before even analyzing the meat, I knew it was tough. When looking at it, I could see that it became very compact while cooking. With that, I felt like it lost most of its flavor and moisture. The meat also appeared to have a grayish color, which was a turn-off for me.
Toaster oven: This nugget had a bit more integrity when it came to puffing up and crisping. It also had more of a bite. And the inside was much less firm and dense. It was more like shredded chicken, which I liked.
The taste brought me back to my childhood, but it certainly wasnt a great chicken nugget, in my opinion. The breadcrumbs still felt mushy and undercooked.
Then I tested the promising oven method, using a convection oven.
For the next method, while Perdue prefers a conventional oven the best, I have a convection oven instead. Chef and restaurateur Shawn Niles spoke to Insiders Molly Allen in November 2021 about the differences.
“A typical oven has two heating elements — one on the top and one on the bottom,” said Niles. “A convection oven introduces a fan. Niles says that the fan adds more air flow for an even cook, making the food crispier and fluffier.
I preheated my convection oven to 425 degrees, which it took approximately 10 minutes to reach. After adding some PAM cooking spray to a baking sheet, I stuck the nuggets in the oven.
Halfway through, I flipped them for “a crispier product,” as per the instructions. I kept them in for a total of six minutes.
How To Cook: Frozen Chicken Nuggets in the Oven
FAQ
How long to cook frozen chicken bites in the oven?
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place frozen chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
- Heat 18 to 22 minutes.
How long to oven cook chicken bites?
The method to cook chicken bites is super simple: First, arrange diced chicken pieces in a baking dish, and then season with the spice mix. Speckle the chicken with the diced butter. Put in a hot oven at 420ºF (220ºC) for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
How to cook frozen fully cooked chicken breast bites?
Ready to heat and eat straight from the freezer. This is the perfect salad topper, snack, or appetizer. It only takes 8 minutes in the air fryer or 23 minutes in the oven.
How long to put frozen chicken strips in the oven?
Preheat Oven to 425°F. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray. Place frozen strips in single layer on baking sheet. Bake in oven for 16 to 18 minutes or until heated through.