Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Tender, crunchy, and garlicky bites of chicken coated in parmesan and breadcrumbs, perfect for snacking or as a main dish. These bites can be baked, air-fried, or shallow-fried for a flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes Thighs will yield juicier bites, while breasts are leaner.
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter For tossing before/after cooking or brushing.
Breading Mixture
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Substitute with nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko Panko gives a lighter, crispier texture.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- to taste salt and black pepper
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs, beaten For breading the chicken.
Garnish
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped For garnish before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). For frying, heat a shallow layer of oil over medium-high.
- Cut the chicken into roughly 1–1½ inch pieces. Toss lightly with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
- In one bowl, beat the eggs. In a second bowl, combine breadcrumbs/panko, grated Parmesan, minced garlic (or garlic powder), paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Breading and Cooking
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix until well coated. Place on a tray.
- Choose your cooking method: Oven - Arrange bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment, lightly spray or brush with olive oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer - Place chicken bites in a single layer (work in batches), cooking for 12–15 minutes, shaking or turning halfway, until crisp. Lightly spray with oil for extra browning.
- Shallow Fry - Add enough oil to cover the bottom of a skillet. Fry bites for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
Finishing Touches
- Toss briefs in 1–2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil for shine and flavor. Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or almond flour + grated cheese. For a spicy twist, incorporate cayenne or hot sauce to the egg wash. Store cooked bites in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days, and freeze uncooked bites for up to a month.