These Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites are little pieces of heaven! With crispy edges and juicy inside, they’re packed with yummy flavors from the herbs and cheese.
Perfect as a snack or appetizer, I often find myself munching on these while binge-watching my favorite shows. So tasty, you might not want to share! 🍗💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe. If you don’t have them, thighs work too! They add more flavor and stay juicier.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use pre-grated cheese, but the taste may be a bit different. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free substitute!
Breadcrumbs: Panko provides a light, flaky texture. If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will do. Just crush some stale bread or even use ground oats as a gluten-free option.
Herbs: If you don’t have dried Italian herbs, you can easily mix your own with oregano, basil, and thyme. For a fresher taste, use fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley.
Cooking Spray: Instead of cooking spray, you can brush the chicken bites lightly with olive oil—a healthier option that still helps achieve that lovely crispness.
How Do You Get the Chicken Bites Extra Crispy?
Achieving crispy chicken bites is all about the coating and cooking method. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press it on so it sticks well!
- Use a good amount of oil—either spray or drizzle—to help get that golden color.
- Turn the chicken halfway through baking. This prevents one side from getting soggy and helps with even browning.
- If you want an extra crunch, broil them for a few minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have deliciously crispy chicken bites every time!
Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or fine)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for baking/frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook. So, you can have these tasty chicken bites ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coat of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed—this mixture is going to give your chicken bites that yummy crispy exterior!
3. Beating the Eggs:
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until they are completely blended. This will help the coating stick to the chicken.
4. Coating the Chicken:
Take each chicken piece and dip it into the beaten eggs first to coat it evenly. Then, dredge it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Lay all the coated pieces out on the prepared baking sheet in one single layer.
5. Baking the Chicken Bites:
Spray the chicken bites lightly with cooking spray or drizzle them with a little olive oil to help them get crunchy. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to turn the chicken bites halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once the chicken bites are golden brown and fully cooked (make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), take them out of the oven. While they’re still warm, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and any extra Parmesan cheese on top for a burst of flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these chicken bites hot as a delightful appetizer or snack! They’re perfect on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard.
Enjoy your crispy, savory Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites, bursting with flavor and crunch! 🥳🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or submerged in cold water for quicker results. Pat it dry to ensure the coating sticks well.
What if I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can crush crackers or cornflakes for a different texture. Alternatively, ground oats make a great gluten-free option for coating. Just ensure they’re finely ground for a good stick!
How to Store Leftover Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crunch, or use a microwave but be aware they’ll be softer.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken bites, coat them, and place them on the baking sheet ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them right before serving for fresh, hot bites!
