If you’re in the mood for something crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, look no further than these Chicken Bites! Whether you’re prepping for a game day snack, a quick dinner, or a fun appetizer for your next party, these bite-sized pieces of chicken are just what you need. Coated in a simple, flavorful breading and baked to golden perfection, these chicken bites are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these chicken bites for my family—they disappear so quickly! The best part is they’re a healthier alternative to fried chicken, but they still pack that crispy crunch that everyone loves. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with a variety of dipping sauces, from honey mustard to ranch to spicy buffalo sauce. They’re always a crowd-pleaser, and they’ve earned a permanent spot in my weekly dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks.
- Crispy Without the Frying: Baked, not fried, but still wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Customizable: Season them to your taste—go spicy, savory, or even a little sweet.
- Healthy-ish: A lighter alternative to fried chicken, but you won’t sacrifice any flavor or crunch.
- Kid-Friendly: These bite-sized chicken pieces are perfect for little hands and picky eaters alike.
- Perfect for Dipping: Serve them with a variety of sauces, and you’ve got yourself a fun, interactive snack or meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for an easy snack throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the best for this recipe—it’s lean, easy to cut into bite-sized pieces, and cooks up perfectly tender.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken bites their crispy, crunchy texture. If you want to go gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice depth of flavor and a little salty kick to the breading.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have for that savory, aromatic flavor that really enhances the chicken.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds richness to the breading.
- Paprika: For a subtle smokiness and a bit of color in the breading.
- Eggs: Helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken and creates a crispy outer layer when baked.
- Olive Oil: A light spray or drizzle of olive oil helps the chicken bites crisp up in the oven.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken and the breading.
(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions):
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will give it time to heat up while you prep the chicken bites. Make sure your oven is nice and hot so that the chicken gets crispy without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—about 1 to 1 ½-inch cubes. Try to make them as uniform as possible so they cook evenly. Season the chicken pieces with a little salt and pepper on both sides for basic seasoning.
Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, whisk together 2 eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated for that perfect crispy exterior. You can press the breadcrumbs into the chicken slightly to help them stick.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place the breaded chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking rack. Leave a little space between each piece so that the air can circulate and the chicken cooks evenly. Drizzle or spray the chicken bites with a little olive oil to help them get golden and crispy while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken bites for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The outside should be nice and crispy, and the inside should be tender and juicy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken bites are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Arrange them on a platter with your favorite dipping sauces—buffalo sauce, ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be perfect. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they also make a great cold snack if you have leftovers!
Helpful Tips:
- How to Meal Prep It for the Week: These chicken bites store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. If you want to make them in bulk, just double the recipe and freeze the extras (uncooked). When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- How to Store Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them crispy, reheat them in the oven or air fryer, not the microwave.
- Ways to Reheat Without Drying Out: The best way to reheat chicken bites is in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5-10 minutes. This will help them stay crispy on the outside while warming through the inside. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make them soggy.
- What Sides or Drinks Pair Well with It: Serve these chicken bites with a side of fresh veggies, like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or a simple green salad. For a more indulgent side, pair them with loaded fries, mac and cheese, or coleslaw. For drinks, cold iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer would be perfect.
- Creative Twists or Swaps: Want to switch it up? Add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheeses for more flavor. If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs work just fine too!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great for this recipe. They’re a little juicier than chicken breasts and will still get crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make these chicken bites in the air fryer?
Absolutely! To make them in the air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer (you may need to do it in batches depending on your air fryer size) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should come out crispy and delicious!
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano, or just leave it out for a simpler breading. The chicken will still be delicious.
Can I make these chicken bites gluten-free?
Yes! To make these chicken bites gluten-free, just swap the regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure your chicken coating is free of gluten-based ingredients, and you’re good to go!
Can I make these chicken bites spicy?
Definitely! You can add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick. You could also toss the baked chicken bites in some buffalo sauce or spicy BBQ sauce for added heat.
Closing Thoughts:
These chicken bites have quickly become one of my go-to recipes for busy nights, gatherings, or anytime I need a quick snack. They’re crispy, flavorful, and versatile enough to pair with whatever dipping sauce you’re in the mood for. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even my kids can help out in the kitchen, making them a fun family activity.
Give them a try and let me know how they turn out! It’s a recipe that I make all the time, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your house too.
Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 –2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine and serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the butter with cream.
- Serve these chicken bites over rice, pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
