Knowing how long to cook diced chicken is one of the most valuable cooking things to master. 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.
Diced chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in all kinds of delicious recipes. However, knowing exactly how to cook diced chicken so that it turns out moist, tender and fully cooked can take some finesse Follow this guide to learn tips, techniques and timing for cooking diced chicken to perfection.
Why Learn Proper Diced Chicken Cooking Technique
Knowing how to properly cook diced chicken gives you perfect results every time Undercooked chicken can harbor harmful bacteria Overcooked chicken becomes dry and rubbery. Mastering cooking technique ensures your diced chicken is
- Moist and tender – Not dry or mushy
- Cooked through – No raw spots for food safety
- Ideal texture – Just right for your recipe
If you want to make a quick stir-fry during the week, plan your meals, or use diced chicken in salads, soups, and other dishes, this guide will help you do it right.
Diced Chicken Cooking Time
Exact cooking time depends on:
- Size of dice – Smaller pieces cook faster
- Cooking method – Pan frying, baking etc.
- Doneness – Cook to safe 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
General diced chicken cooking times:
- Pan frying: 5-8 minutes
- Baking: 12-15 minutes
- Air frying: 10-12 minutes
Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Check thinner pieces first.
How to Pan Fry Diced Chicken
Pan frying is ideal for weeknight meals or small batches.
You’ll need:
- Diced chicken
- Oil – Vegetable, olive or avocado
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Steps:
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels
- Season with salt, pepper, spices
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken in single layer
- Cook 5-8 minutes, flipping occasionally until browned and 165°F
- Remove from heat, rest 2 minutes before serving
Browning adds flavor. Don’t crowd the pan which steams instead of sears.
How to Bake Diced Chicken
Baking cooks diced chicken evenly and is great for meal prep.
You’ll need:
- Diced chicken
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Baking sheet
- Meat thermometer
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Toss chicken with oil, herbs, spices
- Spread in single layer on baking sheet
- Bake 12-15 minutes until 165°F
- Check thinner pieces first
For extra crispness, broil 1-2 minutes at end.
How to Air Fry Diced Chicken
Air frying makes diced chicken crispy outside and juicy inside.
You’ll need:
- Diced chicken
- Oil
- Air fryer
- Cooking spray
Steps:
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C)
- Lightly oil chicken
- Air fry 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway
- Cook until crispy and 165°F
Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Handy Tips for Perfect Results
- Cut chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly
- Use a hot skillet to sear and brown
- Don’t overload pan or air fryer basket
- Check internal temp to prevent overcooking
- Let chicken rest 2-3 minutes before serving
You can always get tender, juicy, perfectly cooked diced chicken if you know how to do it right. Now you’re ready to add it to your favorite dishes!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to dice chicken?
Cut chicken into evenly sized cubes about 1 inch or 1⁄2 inch. Uniform pieces cook the most evenly. Using boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh is easiest.
Can I use frozen diced chicken?
Only cook frozen diced chicken if absolutely necessary. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight first for best texture and even cooking.
What if my chicken sticks while pan frying?
Use a well-seasoned cast iron or nonstick skillet. Make sure it’s fully preheated before adding oil and chicken so food doesn’t stick. Add more oil if needed.
Why is my diced chicken dry after cooking?
Overcooking is the main cause of dry chicken. Use a thermometer and don’t go over 165°F internal temperature. Also, let it sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices spread out again.
Is pink chicken safe to eat?
No. To kill any bacteria that might be there, chicken should always be cooked to 165°F on the inside, as shown on a food thermometer. Even a slight pink tinge means it’s undercooked.
Can I cook diced chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, but add it towards the end of cooking time. Slow cooker temperatures are usually not hot enough to fully cook raw chicken through. Make sure to stir it in and cook until 165°F.
How should I season diced chicken?
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, cumin and lemon juice all taste great on diced chicken. Consider marinading it before cooking too.
What’s the best oil for cooking diced chicken?
Use high smoke point oils like vegetable, avocado, grapeseed or rice bran oil. Olive oil works too. Avoid extra virgin olive oil at high heat. Melted butter can burn quickly.
In Summary
- Chop chicken uniformly into 1 inch or smaller cubes
- Pan fry over medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes
- Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes
- Air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes
- Cook to safe internal temperature of 165°F
- Let rest before serving to maximize juiciness
With this diced chicken cooking guide, you’ll be ready to make all kinds of easy, delicious meals. Perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Why You Need to Know This
A lot of my favorite foods are chicken recipes. For those recipes, it’s important to know how long to cook diced chicken. The nice thing about knowing how to cook diced chicken is that you can use it in so many great family recipes, like our Fast and Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. You can even use it to make diced honey chicken in a skillet.
How Long to Cook Diced Chicken
5 to 7 minutes on medium-high heat in a hot, oiled skillet. 16 to 20 minutes at 425°F, stir once, and check for an internal temperature of 165°F. 10 to 12 minutes at 380°F, shake the basket halfway through.
Cut into even 1-inch pieces for best results, and don’t crowd the pan. Use a meat thermometer to hit that food-safe 165°F sweet spot. Great for meal prep, stir-fry, pasta, salads, and more!.
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.