Easy Irresistible Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites to Savor Tonight

Discover the Joy of Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites

There’s nothing quite like a meal that brings the family together, and these Easy Irresistible Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites do just that! I stumbled upon this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed a quick, delicious option that would keep everyone satisfied. With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and gooey cheese, these bites are not only delightful but also incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish, they’re bound to become a family favorite in no time.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Choosing to make these Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites is a decision you won’t regret. They are not just quick to prepare but are also budget-friendly, making them an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a packed lunch. Plus, they are a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your family’s meals without any complaints. Whether you’re cooking for kids or hosting a laid-back gathering with friends, these bites are sure to impress.

"These bites are a hit at our house! The kids love them, and I appreciate how easy they are to make!"

How This Recipe Comes Together

Let’s break it down! Making these bites involves combining cooked chicken, rice, and a mix of grated veggies and cheese—all bound together by a simple egg. You’ll form the mixture into bite-sized balls and bake them until they’re perfectly golden. In just a short time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Gather These Items

To make your Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or finely chopped for easy bite-sized portions.
• 2 cups Cooked rice: Leftover rice works perfectly to bind the bites gently.
• 1 large Egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the rice and chicken together.
• 1 cup Grated cheese: Adds richness and helps with moisture and flavor.
• 1 cup Carrots: Finely grated to blend seamlessly and add natural sweetness.
• 1 cup Zucchini: Squeezed dry to prevent sogginess and provide fresh texture.
• 1 cup Bell peppers: Diced small for vibrant color and a slight crunch.
• 1 cup Green onions: Chopped to infuse a mild oniony zest.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder: Enhances flavor without overpowering.
• Salt and Pepper, to taste: Adjust to your taste for balanced seasoning.
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro): Optional for bright freshness that lifts the whole bite.

Feel free to substitute with your choice of veggies or cheese based on what you have on hand!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, grated carrot, zucchini, bell peppers, and green onions.
3. Add the grated cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Crack the egg into the mixture and stir until everything is well combined and coated.
5. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
6. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turning halfway for even cooking.
8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm as an appetizer at your next gathering or alongside a fresh side salad for a wholesome meal. For dipping, try pairing them with a tangy ranch dressing, creamy hummus, or homemade salsa. You can also skewer them on toothpicks for easy serving at parties.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Keep any uneaten Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them! Just place the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for about an hour, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be reheated directly from the freezer in the oven, or thawed first in the fridge for a quick microwave snack.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Always squeeze out excess moisture from vegetables like zucchini to avoid sogginess in your bites.
• Mixing the ingredients with your hands ensures an even distribution and helps to compact them for better adhesion.
• For a flavor twist, try adding different herbs like dill or basil to the mix!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Enjoy experimenting with these variations:

• Substitute ground turkey or beef in place of chicken for different protein options.
• Swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
• Add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an exciting flavor kick!

Common Questions Answered

How long do these take to prepare?

The preparation and cooking time for these Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites takes about 40 minutes total.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.

What can I serve with them?

These bites pair wonderfully with a salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauces.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! These bites are not only nutritious but also fun to eat, making them perfect for kids.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Irresistible Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites are not just a recipe; they’re a solution for busy families seeking healthy, satisfying meals. Try them tonight, and let the chatter around the table be full of delight as everyone digs in! If you loved this recipe, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Enjoy your meal!

Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites

These Easy Irresistible Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites are a delightful meal perfect for families. With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and gooey cheese, they are easy to whip up and ideal as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked chicken breast Shredded or finely chopped for easy bite-sized portions.
• 2 cups Cooked rice Leftover rice works perfectly to bind the bites gently.
• 1 large Egg Acts as a natural binder to hold the rice and chicken together.
• 1 cup Grated cheese Adds richness and helps with moisture and flavor.
• 1 cup Carrots Finely grated to blend seamlessly and add natural sweetness.
• 1 cup Zucchini Squeezed dry to prevent sogginess and provide fresh texture.
• 1 cup Bell peppers Diced small for vibrant color and a slight crunch.
• 1 cup Green onions Chopped to infuse a mild oniony zest.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Enhances flavor without overpowering.
• to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust to your taste for balanced seasoning.
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) Optional for bright freshness that lifts the whole bite.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, grated carrot, zucchini, bell peppers, and green onions.
3. Add the grated cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Crack the egg into the mixture and stir until everything is well combined and coated.
5. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
6. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turning halfway for even cooking.
8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad.

Notes

These Chicken & Veggie Rice Bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm as an appetizer or alongside a fresh side salad. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or frozen for longer storage.