These Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites are juicy and full of flavor! Coated in a tasty mix of parmesan cheese and herbs, they make a perfect snack or main dish.
Honestly, they disappear so fast at my house that I should probably double the recipe! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a fun meal or snack.
I love how easy they are to make, just season, bake, and enjoy. Plus, who doesn’t love cheesy chicken? It’s a win every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tenderness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey breast works great too! Just cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These are crucial for that crispy texture. If they’re unavailable, use regular bread crumbs, but keep in mind they won’t be as crunchy. You can even crush crackers for a similar effect!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a fantastic flavor. If you want to go dairy-free, nutritional yeast is an excellent alternative. Just remember, it won’t have the same texture, but the cheesy flavor will still come through.
Italian Herbs: I love a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme for a classic taste. If you can’t find them, Italian seasoning blend works perfectly. Fresh herbs can be used too – just chop them finely!
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Coating?
Achieving that crunch is key for these chicken bites! The method is simple but important. Start with a few quick tips:
- First, preheat your oven properly. A hot oven helps make the coating crispy.
- Coat the chicken bites in egg first. This acts as a glue to hold the breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken. This ensures they stick well during cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each piece space for air circulation to develop that golden crust.
- Flipping halfway through helps them brown evenly, so don’t skip this step!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites every time!
How to Make Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Cooking spray or 2 tbsp olive oil for baking/frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in just about 30 minutes, you can have delicious Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites ready to serve. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken bites will cook evenly and become crispy. While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken bites a flavorful and crunchy coating.
3. Egg Wash:
In another bowl, beat the two eggs until they are well mixed. The egg wash helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken pieces.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick well. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them to allow for proper cooking.
6. Add Some Crisp:
Lightly spray the chicken bites with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil on top. This will help them develop a nice golden crust as they bake.
7. Bake:
Bake the chicken bites in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. They’re done when they are golden and cooked through!
8. Garnish:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a little more grated Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor and presentation.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve these delicious chicken bites warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, herb-infused chicken bites!
This recipe yields perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken bites that will be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cutting it into pieces. For the fastest thawing, you can place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
Can I Make These Chicken Bites in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken bites and coat them a few hours ahead of time. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked bites. Just be sure to bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This will help retain their crispiness!
What Can I Serve with Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites?
These bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dips like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. You can also serve them on a bed of greens or with pasta for a heartier meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite sides!
