How to Make French Onion Dip Chicken Bites: Just 20 Minutes & 5 Ingredients

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Are you stuck in the “what’s for dinner?” rut again? We’ve all been there.

But what if I told you that your beloved French onion dip could turn ordinary chicken into a party-pleasing dinner in just 20 minutes? This French onion dip chicken bites recipe only needs five ingredients, and you likely already have 5 in your kitchen.

As a busy cook, I appreciate that even these pleasing little chicken bites marry the classic flavor of French onion dip with tender, crispy chicken pieces. They’re ideal for everything from speedy weeknight dinners to party appetizers, and they’re so easy that novice cooks can nail them on their first try.

Want to know how to make these addictive French onion dip chicken bites? Let’s get cooking!

Gather Your 5 Simple Ingredients

So, gather up our ingredients for these tasty little chicken bites. I’ll walk you through each so you can select them all for optimal performance.

Choosing the right chicken cuts

First, let’s choose our chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the easiest to work with, so I recommend them. Plus, these cuts are easy to slice into even pieces. For dark meat lovers, boneless skinless thighs are an equally good option. This recipe is excellent with one pound of chicken (approximately 16 ounces).

Best French onion dip options

Quality is vitally important when it comes to French onion dip. The results have been pretty good with store-bought stuff like Walmart’s Great Value French Onion Dip or Target’s Good & Gather Classic Onion Dip. What makes Target’s version unique is the inclusion of cream cheese and sour cream for a thicker consistency.

To get the best results, use these staples:

1. Boneless chicken (breast/thigh)
2. Store-bought French onion dip
3. Cornstarch for coating
4. Basic seasonings
5. Cooking oil

Essential seasonings and coatings

We use a generous helping of cornstarch as our coating, guaranteeing that every piece of chicken has a crispy exterior. For seasonings, I recommend:

Seasoning	Purpose
Paprika	Adds color and mild flavor
Garlic Powder	Provides savory depth
Kosher Salt	Enhances overall taste

Also, olive oil is okay for cooking, but you can also use canola, sunflower or avocado oil. All of these options have high smoke points to get you that perfectly golden brown finish. Make sure to pick an oil with a relatively high smoke point.

Now, of course, this is a small detail, but it has a huge impact on the final consistency of your chicken bites.

Prep Your Chicken Bites

To start, I will walk you through preparing these delicious French onion dip chicken bites using proper techniques and handy tips.

Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces

Right before I do, I always pat the chicken dry with paper towels to avoid any slipperiness. Then, with a sharp knife on a sturdy cutting board, I dice the chicken into half-inch cubes. Precisely, I first slice the chicken longway into long vertical strips and then cut across those strips horizontally. This means the cooking is even, and the crispiness is just right.

Proper seasoning technique

For the best results, I recommend this seasoning sequence:

Chicken Cut	Ideal Size	Best For
Cubes	½ inch	Quick cooking
Strips	1 inch width	Even browning

Time-saving prep tips

To streamline your preparation process, I’ve discovered these efficient methods:

1. Partially freeze chicken for 30 minutes before cutting — makes precision cuts easier
2. Prep seasonings and coating mixture ahead of time — will last forever
3. Prep chicken 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it correctly

So, I always advise working with a pastry scraper to make quick dicing easier — it’s one of my all-time time-saving tools. Throughout the preparation, if you handle any raw chicken, immediately wash your hands, knife, and cutting board.

For optimal results, avoid common mistakes such as:

1. Using a dull knife (it gets more challenging, and also more dangerous, to cut)
2. Cutting pieces into many sizes (results in uneven cooking)
3. Forgetting to pat dry (makes chicken slippery and more difficult to cut)

That being said, the right prep is absolutely necessary to get that crispy, flavor-packed French onion dip chicken bite. Step 1: Get Your Sous Vide Pieces Step 1: You have consistent pieces of meat for the next operation.

Master the Coating Process

With our chicken prepped, however, I’m eager to share my no-fail method for coating it so that my French onion dip chicken bites are indeed crispy every single time.

Dip application method

Do you know how, when you’re breading, you set up three bowls for efficiency? I use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet throughout the process to avoid the dreaded “breading fingers.” Here’s my proven method:

Step	Ingredient	Technique
1	Flour	Light dusting, shake excess
2	Beaten egg	Complete coverage
3	Breadcrumbs	Press gently to adhere

Breadcrumb coating secrets

I’ve found that a 15-30 minute rest at room temperature (before frying) is crucial with this coating—it helps the coating adhere better, and the crumbs absorb the egg even more. I suggest using panko breadcrumbs for the crispest results because they create a beautiful golden-brown crust.

For the most consistent crunch, I follow this sequence:

1. Dry each chicken piece well, using paper towels, before you begin
2. Season every layer of coating, not just the top breading
3. PACK the breadcrumbs lightly but firmly down on top of each piece

Avoiding common coating mistakes

Having gone through this process a few times, I have identified some key things to be aware of. Importantly, flouring before the egg wash is crucial—it gives the egg something to stick to.

For example, one of the mistakes I see people making is applying too thick of a coating. Skip the heavy additional breading and aim for a thin, even layer. Also, do not skip the resting period (those additional 15 minutes have a huge impact on coating adhesion).

Chicken temperature is the first massive move. I always pull my breading from the fridge since dropping cold ingredients in hot oil can decrease the temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Instead, I allow the chicken pieces to come to room temperature.

Remember not to overload your pan while cooking — this lowers the oil temperature and causes greasy breading. Instead, work in batches if necessary (350 degrees is where you want to be), as appreciated in the best results.

Quick Cooking Method

It’s time to cook these delicious French onion dip chicken bites! I’ll walk you through each cooking method to help you decide what’s best for your kitchen.

Pan-frying vs baking options

I have rigorously tested both methods, and each has its own merits. Pan-frying also results in a nicely golden-brown crust and cooks quickly. Conversely, baking is hands-off and calls for very little fat.

To pan-fry, I heat 1/4 inch of canola oil in a non-stick skillet over an even medium flame, keeping the oil at 350°F (175°C) throughout.

I preheat the oven to 200°C (about 400°F) to bake. This approach is particularly convenient when  making larger batches.

Temperature and timing guide

Cooking Method	Temperature	Timing	Notes
Pan-frying	350°F (175°C)	4-5 minutes per side	Cook in batches
Baking	400°F (200°C)	7-9 minutes per side	Turn once

Because I never overcrowd the pan, I work in two batches when I need to. For pan frying, I cook until the bottom is golden-brown and releases from the pan easily.

Testing for doneness

Safety continues to be my No. 1 consideration when cooking chicken. Here’s how I guarantee that every bite is perfectly cooked:

1. Temperature Check: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)
2. Visual Inspection:
3. Meat should be white/opaque throughout
4. Juices should run clear, not pink

So here, if you don’t have a thermometer, I advise a small incision in the thickest portion—the flesh should be completely white, with no pink bits. However, a meat thermometer is used for the greatest accuracy in terms of food safety.

Remember to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This step also redistributes the juices, making every bite moist and flavorful.

Serving and Storage

These delicious French onion dip chicken bites deserve the perfect accompaniment. I’m thrilled to share my favorite serving suggestions and storage tips to help you enjoy every last bite.

Best dipping sauce pairings

As I found, the proper dipping sauce can take these chicken bites to new levels. Here’s my tailor-made list of good sauces to fit with it:

Sauce Type	Flavor Profile	Best Served
Garlic Aioli	Creamy, savory	Room temperature
Hot Buffalo Honey	Sweet, spicy	Warm
Maple BBQ	Sweet, smoky	Room temperature
Sriracha Lime	Tangy, spicy	Cold

I mostly enjoy these bites served alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables for a main dish. During my testing, I’ve discovered that a simple arugula salad or a raucous Brussels sprout combination plays beautifully with these chicken bites.

Keeping bites crispy

Above all, maintaining that perfect crunch requires a proper cooling technique. Here’s my proven method:

1. Cool completely at room temperature
2. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet
3. Cover loosely with parchment paper or aluminum foil
4. Avoid airtight containers initially

This means that proper air circulation stops condensation (which can make the coating soggy). I’ve found that the wire rack is great for this as it allows the air to circulate throughout a piece so it doesn’t steam.

Leftover storage tips

For optimal freshness, I follow these storage guidelines:

1. Refrigerator Storage:
2. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
3. Place in single layers with parchment paper between
4. Keep away from strong-smelling foods
5. Freezer Storage:
6. Cool completely before freezing
7. Freeze on a cookie sheet first
8. Transfer to freezer bags
9. Store for up to 2-3 months

For reheating, I recommend these methods:

1. Oven Method:
2. Preheat to 375°F (190°C)
3. Heat for 15-20 minutes
4. Quick Method:
5. Microwave briefly to heat through
6. Finish in the toaster oven for crispiness

As I explained, proper cooling before storage is important and has been observed throughout these years. This prevents moisture buildup in the internal temperature, which should be completely cool. In turn, this helps preserve food safety and texture quality.

If you plan to freeze portions, I always recommend labeling the containers with the date. This commonsense measure helps you keep track of storage time and ensure you’re using the oldest meat first.

Pro tip: Do not use only the microwave when reheating , as this makes the coating soggy. Instead, use the oven or toaster oven to recharge that delicious crunch.

Conclusion

These chicken bites with French onion dip prove that great flavor doesn’t need complex recipes or many ingredients. So many times have I made this dish, and I can assure you it has become my solution for easy family dinners and party hors d’oeuvres.

The trick to getting it right  comes down to the main steps — cutting even pieces, coating each piece correctly, and nice heat. Above all, patience with the coating process pays off with that perfect crispy exterior everyone craves.

Cool your chicken bites on a wire rack before storing, and you’ll keep that crunchy bite. Pan-frying for speed or baking for convenience, these versatile bites are just at home as restaurant-quality fare springing from your kitchen.

So try these French onion dip chicken bites; they may also become your weeknight dinner solution!

FAQs

What are the key ingredients for making French Onion Dip Chicken Bites?

The main ingredients are boneless chicken (breast or thigh), store-bought French onion dip, cornstarch for coating, basic seasonings like paprika and garlic powder, and cooking oil with a high smoke point.

How long does preparing and cooking French Onion Dip Chicken Bites take?

These chicken bites can be made up and cooked in under 20 minutes, so they’re great for quick weeknight dinners or party appetizers.

What's the best method for coating the chicken bites?

Create a three-bowl system: dust with flour, dunk in beaten egg, roll in breadcrumbs. Rest the coated chicken (at room temperature for 15–30 minutes for the coating to adhere better).

Can French Onion Dip Chicken Bites be baked instead of fried?

You can cook these chicken bites in a pan or roast them. Pan-frying gives you the necessary golden-brown crust and cooks quickly; baking takes less hands-on time and requires virtually no oil.

How should leftover French Onion Dip Chicken Bites be stored?

Leftovers will be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. For extended storage, freeze for 2-3 months. If reheating, use an oven or toaster oven so they stay crispy.