Welcome to a delicious journey that’s all about comfort and ease! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for garlic parmesan chicken bites. These little gems are tender pieces of chicken coated in a savory, crispy garlic and parmesan crust that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, they’re not just super easy to make, but they’re also perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The delightful aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen will bring everyone to the table in no time! Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them a lighter option that still tastes indulgent. Let’s dive in and create these mouthwatering bites together!
Ingredients List
Before we start cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Having everything ready makes the process so much smoother and enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to grab.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that adds that irresistible cheesy flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: This gives our chicken bites that lovely crispy texture. You can use plain or seasoned, depending on your taste.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor – trust me, it’s worth it!
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: This adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a little kick! Adjust according to your preference.
- 1 egg: Beaten, to help the breadcrumb mixture stick nicely to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps the chicken brown beautifully in the oven and adds a nice richness.
Feel free to adjust any ingredients based on dietary preferences. For example, you can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Now that we have our ingredients gathered, let’s get to the fun part—preparing our delicious garlic parmesan chicken bites! I promise, it’s simple and oh-so-satisfying. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish in no time!
Prepping Your Ingredients
First things first, let’s prep our chicken. Take your 1 pound of chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This is super important because it ensures they cook evenly and stay tender. If you find the chicken a bit slippery, using a sharp knife helps a lot. Once that’s done, measure out all your other ingredients so you have everything ready to go. This will save you time and make the process smoother!
Mixing the Coating
Next, let’s create that irresistible coating! In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, the minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together with a fork or a whisk until it’s well blended. You want the mixture to look uniform, with the cheese and breadcrumbs nicely incorporated. This coating will give our chicken bites that delightful crunch and flavor!
Coating the Chicken Bites
Now it’s time to coat the chicken! Start by dipping each piece into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully covered. This step is key because it helps the breadcrumb mixture stick nicely to the chicken. After dipping in the egg, roll the chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process until all the chicken is coated. It’s a bit messy, but that’s part of the fun!
Baking the Chicken Bites
Almost there! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you finish coating the chicken. Once your oven is hot, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the coated chicken bites on the baking sheet. This will help them brown beautifully while baking. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen—trust me, it’s heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These garlic parmesan chicken bites are sure to become a favorite in your home for so many reasons! Here’s why I absolutely adore this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy days!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a savory, mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a main dish, appetizer, or snack. You can even customize them with your favorite herbs or spices!
- Healthier Option: Since they’re baked instead of fried, you can indulge without the guilt, making them a lighter choice for your family.
- Kid-Friendly: These bites are fun to eat and perfect for little hands, making them a hit with the kids!
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a staple in your meal rotation!
Tips for Success
To ensure your garlic parmesan chicken bites turn out perfect every time, here are some handy tips! First, don’t rush the coating process. Take your time to make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the egg and breadcrumb mixture. This will give you that delightful crunch we all love!
If you’d like to make this recipe even easier, consider using pre-grated parmesan cheese. Just be aware that it might not melt quite as well as freshly grated cheese, but it will still taste delicious. Also, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. They work just as wonderfully!
Feeling adventurous? Try adding different herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture, like Italian seasoning or a touch of cayenne for heat. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you change the cut of chicken. The key is to have fun and make this recipe your own!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the nutritional benefits of these delightful garlic parmesan chicken bites! Each serving, which consists of about 4 pieces, packs a punch with approximately 250 calories. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values:
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. For instance, using different types of breadcrumbs or oils can alter the nutritional content. But rest assured, these bites are a tasty and satisfying option that balances flavor and nutrition beautifully!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about these delightful garlic parmesan chicken bites, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Frozen chicken can be a great time-saver when you’re in a pinch.
What can I serve with these chicken bites? They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! You can serve them with a fresh salad, some roasted vegetables, or even your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch dressing.
How do I know when they’re done baking? You’ll know the chicken bites are fully cooked when they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer can be a handy tool for this!
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken bites and coat them, then store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just remember to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
Are there any variations I can try? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings—like adding lemon zest or using different cheese types. You can even try using different proteins, like shrimp or tofu, for a fun twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover garlic parmesan chicken bites is super simple! Just place any uneaten bites in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a great option for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat the chicken bites in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and that delightful crunch returns. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave, but be mindful that this might make them a bit softer. Enjoy your tasty leftovers, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites: 5 Comforting, Easy Steps
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are tender pieces of chicken coated in a savory garlic and parmesan crust. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece in the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken bites.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken bites, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken
