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What is chicken breast cube?


Chicken breast cubes are small, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast that have been cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. They are a versatile protein option that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stir-fries to kebabs, salads, and more. Chicken breast cubes cook quickly and evenly, making them a convenient choice for weeknight meals. Compared to whole chicken breasts, cubing chicken breasts reduces overall cooking time. The uniform sizing also allows for even cooking so the cubes all reach the proper internal temperature at the same time.

Benefits of Chicken Breast Cubes

There are several benefits to using chicken breast cubes rather than whole chicken breasts:

  • Quick cooking – Cubes cook faster than whole breasts.
  • Even cooking – Cubes cook evenly throughout.
  • Versatile – Can be used in many types of dishes.
  • Portion control – Easy to portion into servings.
  • Easy to eat – Cubes are an easy shape to eat.

The smaller cubed pieces add protein to dishes without needing to cut up whole chicken breasts. This makes chicken breast cubes convenient for meal prepping. They can be cooked ahead of time and then added to salads, rice bowls, pasta dishes, and more throughout the week.

How to Make Chicken Breast Cubes

Chicken breast cubes are easy to make at home with just a few simple steps:

  1. Purchase skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
  2. Trim any excess fat or tissue off the chicken.
  3. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch wide strips.
  4. Cut the strips into 1-inch cubes.
  5. Place the cubes in a bowl or resealable plastic bag.
  6. Chicken cubes can be refrigerated for up to 4 days at this point or frozen for longer storage.

When ready to use, cook the cubes using your desired method such as sautéing, baking, or grilling until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. They will cook through fully in just 5-10 minutes depending on thickness.

How to Cook Chicken Breast Cubes

Chicken breast cubes can be prepared using almost any cooking method. Their small size means they require just a brief cooking time. Here are some commonly used methods:

Sautéing

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and sauté for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, herbs, etc.

Baking

Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cubes with olive oil, seasonings, and any baking sauce or marinade. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.

Grilling

Toss chicken cubes in oil and seasonings. Thread onto skewers. Grill over direct high heat for 6-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 2 minutes if desired.

Slow Cooker

Place seasoned chicken cubes into a slow cooker. Add sauce ingredients like salsa, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, etc. Cook on Low heat setting for 3-4 hours until chicken is very tender.

Instant Pot

Combine chicken cubes with 1 cup broth or water in an Instant Pot pressure cooker. Cook on High pressure for 5 minutes then allow pressure to release naturally. Quick release after 5 minutes for very tender cubes.

Dishes and Recipes Using Chicken Breast Cubes

The uses for cooked chicken breast cubes are endless. They can be eaten plain or used in all types of global cuisine. Here are some recipe ideas:

  • Chicken salad – Toss with mayo, celery, onion, seasonings.
  • Chicken tacos – Top soft tortillas with chicken, salsa, avocado.
  • Chicken skewers – Alternate cubes with veggies on skewers.
  • Chicken fried rice – Stir into rice with veggies and egg.
  • Chicken curry – Simmer in coconut curry sauce.
  • Chicken sandwiches – Layer on buns with toppings.
  • Chicken pasta – Toss with veggies and pasta.
  • Chicken soup – Add to broth with carrots, celery, noodles.
  • Chicken wraps – Fill tortillas with cubes, cheese, tomato.
  • Chicken salad – Toss with lettuce, tomato, cucumber.

You can also use the cooked cubes in larger recipes like casseroles, enchiladas, taco salad, stir fries, etc. They provide an easy protein component without having to cook whole chicken breasts.

Nutrition Information

Chicken breast is considered one of the leanest sources of protein and nutrition. Here is the nutrition information per 100g serving of cooked, roasted chicken breast cubes (source: USDA):

Calories 165
Fat 3.6g
Carbs 0g
Protein 31g
Sodium 74mg

As you can see, chicken breast is high in protein while being low in fat and carbs. It contains important nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, and phosphorus.

Chicken breast cubes make it easy to add this nutritious protein into a wide variety of recipes. Their convenience and versatility make them a smart choice for cooking quick and delicious everyday meals.

Buying Chicken Breast Cubes

While making homemade chicken cubes is easy, there are also pre-cut options available for purchase. Chicken breast cubes can be found:

  • Fresh or frozen in grocery store meat sections
  • Freeze-dried for easy use from brands like Tyson and Perdue
  • Canned chicken breast cubes in broth or water
  • Precooked, frozen cubed chicken breast ready to heat and eat

Look for chicken breast cubes without added salt or preservatives when possible. Canned versions work well for recipes like chicken salads, casseroles, and soups. Frozen precooked cubes are perfect for speedy weeknight meals.

Buying pre-cut chicken breast cubes can save time in meal prep. Just be sure to check labels for quality ingredients and proper food handling practices.

Storage and Food Safety

Raw chicken cubes:

  • Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze raw cubes in a single layer on a pan before transferring to a freezer bag.
  • Frozen raw chicken cubes keep for 4-6 months in the freezer.
  • Defrost frozen cubes overnight in the fridge before using.

Cooked chicken cubes:

  • Store cooked cubes in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
  • They can also be frozen for 2-3 months.
  • Defrost cooked frozen cubes in the fridge before reheating to serve.

Always practice food safety when handling raw chicken. Prevent cross-contamination, cook chicken thoroughly to 165°F, and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Conclusion

Chicken breast cubes offer a versatile and nutritious protein option for everyday cooking. Their small uniform size brings convenient cooking benefits like quick cooking, even cooking, and easy portion control. Chicken cubes work great in an array of global recipes from soups and salads to curries, stir fries, sandwiches, and more. Pre-cut fresh or frozen cubes provide shortcut options for busy home cooks. Stored and handled properly, they are a healthy and handy kitchen staple.