If you are looking for a snack or appetizer that combines irresistible crunch with savory, cheesy goodness, this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe is an absolute must-try. Each bite-sized piece delivers a perfect balance of tender chicken surrounded by a golden, crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, elevated with just the right hint of garlic and paprika. Whether you bake or pan-fry them, these chicken bites come together quickly and make for an impressive treat that’s sure to satisfy cravings and bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet flavor-packed ingredients is all you need to whip up these Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites. Each component plays a crucial role, from building the crunchy, golden coating to enhancing the rich, savory notes you’ll love.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and a tender interior.
- Large Eggs: Acts as the sticky binder that helps all those delicious coatings cling to the chicken.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, nutty flavor and contributes to a savory crust that browns beautifully.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to extra crunch and light texture in the coating; seasoned options add an extra flavor boost.
- Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth and savory warmth without overpowering the chicken.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky sweetness and lovely color to the crust.
- Fine Sea Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a touch of boldness and spice.
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps achieve that golden, crispy finish whether baking or pan-frying.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Brightens and freshens the dish when sprinkled on top before serving.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Be sure to pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This simple step ensures the coating sticks well and crisps up beautifully without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to blend all the seasonings evenly. In a separate bowl, beat the large eggs until smooth to create the perfect egg wash that locks in the coating.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg wash, then roll it gently but firmly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Be sure each bite is fully coated for that extra crunch and flavor-packed exterior.
Step 4: Cooking Options
For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, then lightly spray or brush them with olive oil. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a golden crust on all sides. Alternatively, to pan-fry, heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the bites for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until perfectly browned and crispy.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once cooked, allow the chicken bites to rest for a minute or two to lock in juiciness. Finish them off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the richness of the crust.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that pairs beautifully with the salty Parmesan. For a bit more zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a light drizzle of garlic aioli adds brightness and creamy contrast to the crunchy bites.
Side Dishes
These chicken bites are versatile and friendly with many sides. Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a light meal, creamy mashed potatoes for comfort, or even roasted vegetables for added texture. They also shine as finger food with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, arrange these Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites on a platter lined with fresh greens and place small bowls of dipping sauces around for easy sharing. For a casual twist, serve them in small sandwich buns with lettuce and tomato for mini chicken sliders that are guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken bites should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining most of their crispiness if cooled completely before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be reheated straight from frozen.
Reheating
To keep that unbeatable crunch, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy and lose the delightful crisp texture that makes this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, so they make a great substitute. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to use fresh Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan offers far superior flavor and texture compared to pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Using fresh cheese helps create the perfect crispy crust.
Can I bake and then crisp in a skillet?
Yes, baking first and then giving the bites a quick sear in a hot skillet can add an extra layer of crunch and flavor, combining the best of both cooking methods.
What dipping sauces go well with these chicken bites?
They pair wonderfully with marinara, ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli, and spicy sriracha mayo. Feel free to get creative and find your favorite!
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Patting the chicken dry before coating and firmly pressing the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto each piece helps the crust adhere better. Also, dipping the chicken in beaten eggs ensures the coating sticks well.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites are truly a delicious crowd-pleaser that come together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a satisfying crunch and cheesy richness in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to appetizer or snack that everyone will ask for again and again!
Print
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites offer a flavorful combination of tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, paprika, and black pepper, they can be baked or pan-fried to a golden crisp. Ideal as an appetizer or snack, they’re easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Coating
- 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (seasoned optional)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground preferred
Binding and Cooking
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly during breading.
- Mix the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Separately, beat the eggs until smooth to create the egg wash.
- Coat the Chicken Pieces: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then transfer it to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press gently but firmly to ensure an even and thorough coating on all sides.
- For Baking – Preheat and Arrange: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly spray or brush the pieces with olive oil or cooking spray to promote crispiness.
- Bake the Chicken Bites: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping the chicken bites halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are evenly golden brown and crisp.
- For Pan-Frying – Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken bites, cooking each side for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the cooked chicken bites to rest for 1 to 2 minutes after cooking. This helps juices redistribute and keeps the bites moist inside. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and texture.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spraying the coated chicken with cooking spray before baking helps.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- You can adjust paprika quantity to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
