Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites

If you’re craving a crunchy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned bite-sized snack, these Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites are here to save the day!

Perfect for everything from game day snacking to a quick dinner, these chicken bites are simple to make, super tasty, and loved by both kids and adults.

Ready to get started? Let’s jump into this irresistible recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for these crispy, golden-brown bites of chicken perfection:

• Chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces (or use tenders for quicker prep)
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the best flavor
• Breadcrumbs – Use plain or Italian-style for extra seasoning
• Eggs – To coat the chicken pieces and help the breading stick
• Garlic powder – For an aromatic flavor boost
• Dried oregano and thyme – For a delicious herbal touch
• Salt and pepper – To season to taste
• Olive oil – For a little crisping action and flavor

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how to prepare these crunchy chicken bites in just a few simple steps:

Prep the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken tenders for easier cutting.

Set Up Your Dipping Stations:
You’ll need three shallow bowls:

In the first, crack and beat two eggs. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to season.

In the second, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

In the third, place a little olive oil to brush onto the baking tray.

Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken piece and dip it into the egg mixture first, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing down to make sure the coating sticks well.

Bake the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Arrange the coated chicken bites on the baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake and Crisp:
Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil them for the last 2 minutes of baking.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Bites

Here are a few tips to make sure your chicken bites turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time:

• Don’t crowd the pan: Make sure the chicken pieces are spaced out on the baking sheet so they crisp up evenly.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts and crisps up better than pre-shredded cheese.
• For extra crispiness: Give the chicken a quick spray of cooking oil before baking or use a light brushing of olive oil.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bite Variations You’ll Love

Feel like mixing it up? Try these delicious variations to customize your chicken bites:

• Spicy Parmesan Chicken Bites: Toss the breadcrumbs with some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Herb Parmesan Chicken Bites: Add some fresh chopped parsley or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites: Double up on the garlic powder or add fresh minced garlic to the breadcrumbs for extra garlicky goodness.

What to Serve with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites

These crispy bites are amazing on their own, but here are a few simple side ideas to complete the meal:

• Dipping sauces: Serve with your favorite sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for an extra burst of flavor.
• Side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
• Fries or roasted veggies: Serve with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Meal Prep Tips

Storage:
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste just as good the next day!

Reheating:
Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Meal Prep:
You can prep the chicken bites in advance, coat them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are juicier but take a little longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.

Can I freeze these chicken bites?
Yes, freeze the uncooked, breaded chicken bites on a tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.