Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

$- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use Panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced The chicken breast forms the base of this snack. Cut it into small pieces for easy eating. Breadcrumbs add texture. I love using Panko for its extra crunch. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a rich flavor. Minced garlic adds a punch that makes these bites irresistible. - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste The egg acts as a binder, helping the coating stick. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Italian seasoning gives a nice herbal note. Don't forget to sprinkle salt and pepper for balance. - Olive oil spray - Parchment paper Olive oil spray helps the chicken bites crisp up nicely. Parchment paper makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking. Always line your baking sheet for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key so your chicken bites cook evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy clean-up later. In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything. This mix gives your chicken bites flavor and crunch. Now, take your bite-sized chicken pieces. Dip each piece into the beaten egg. Make sure to let any extra egg drip off. This helps the breadcrumb mix stick better. After that, coat each chicken piece with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the chicken gets a good layer. This step is where the magic happens! Arrange the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet. Keep them in a single layer for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven. Bake the chicken bites for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through. This ensures they get golden brown all over. Once done, take them out and let them rest for a few minutes. Enjoy your tasty snack! To get the best crunch on your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites, choose the right breadcrumbs. I recommend using Panko breadcrumbs. They are coarser and create a crunchier texture. Regular breadcrumbs work, but they may not give you that satisfying bite. When using olive oil spray, make sure to spray lightly. This helps the chicken bits crisp up without making them greasy. A quick spray on top of the coated chicken bites before baking makes a big difference in texture. Adding spices or herbs can really boost the flavor. You can try adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano also work well. Before baking, consider marinating the chicken for extra flavor. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic can add great depth. Just remember to keep the marinade light so the coating sticks well. For presentation, serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites on a nice platter. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color. A small bowl of marinara sauce or ranch dressing makes a great dipping option. It adds flavor and makes the dish more fun to eat! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch and a delightful texture, opt for Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil Spray: A light spray of olive oil helps the chicken bites crisp up beautifully in the oven. Flavor Boost with Marinade: Marinating the chicken pieces in a bit of lemon juice or buttermilk for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and tenderness. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair these bites with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for an irresistible appetizer experience. {{image_2}} You can make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites healthier by using chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and can add more flavor. You can also choose between baking or frying. Baking gives you a crisp bite without the extra oil. Frying gives a different texture but adds calories. For more flavor, try different cheeses like cheddar or feta. Each cheese adds its own twist. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes to the breading mix. This gives a nice kick to your chicken bites. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these at most stores. For a vegetarian version, try using cauliflower or tofu. Both can soak up flavors well and make a tasty snack. You can store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites in the fridge. First, let them cool down completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. Store them for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven or microwave. For long-term storage, you can freeze these chicken bites. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, bake them in the oven until hot and crispy. This keeps their flavor and crunch. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites last for three days in the fridge. In the freezer, they are safe for up to three months. After that, the taste and texture may change. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To make these chicken bites gluten-free, you can swap out regular breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. You can also try crushed gluten-free crackers or ground nuts. These options will still give you a crunchy texture. Make sure that the Parmesan cheese is labeled gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty snack. Yes, you can prep ahead! You can coat the chicken bites and store them in the fridge. Just keep them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, just pop them in the oven. If you want to freeze them, lay them on a baking sheet first. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a bag. This way, you can bake them right from the freezer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. This ensures it is fully cooked. The bites should be golden brown on the outside. If you follow these tips, you will have perfect chicken bites every time! This article covered everything you need to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites. You learned about the main and additional ingredients, along with cooking essentials. We walked through the steps to prep, coat, and bake your chicken bites. I shared tips for perfecting crunch and enhancing flavor, plus variations and storage options. Cook these bites for a delicious snack or meal. With easy steps and fun variations, you can impress anyone. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and finding what you love most.$

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

Crispy and flavorful chicken bites coated in garlic and Parmesan.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (use Panko for extra crunch)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
Olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken bites with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway for even cooking.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve on a platter with extra chopped parsley and marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, garlic, parmesan