Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are quick to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings or casual dinners, offering a crispy, flavorful option that everyone will love.
As the cool air of fall settles in New York City, I find myself longing for cozy, flavorful dishes that bring warmth and delight to gatherings with family and friends. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I’m always on the lookout for appetizer ideas that can steal the show without stealing too much time in the kitchen. Enter these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites—a savory, crispy delight that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or even a casual weeknight dinner.
A Savory Holiday Appetizer
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner.
- Crispy, flavorful bites that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
- Made with simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together for maximum flavor.
- Versatile recipe that can be paired with various dips, adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
- Leftovers reheat perfectly, maintaining their delicious crunch.
Ingredients
To get started on these irresistible bites, here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create these delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites that are sure to be a hit!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the chicken. The anticipation of the oven heating is half the experience!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about an inch long. As I chop, I enjoy how the chicken feels firm yet tender in my hands, giving me an immediate sense of the dish’s heartiness.
Step 3: Make the Coating
In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The texture is rough and rustic, giving off an inviting scent that fills my kitchen even before cooking.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
In a separate bowl, drizzle the chicken pieces with olive oil, tossing them gently to ensure each piece is well-coated. Then, add the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, stirring to coat every bit. I love how the mixture clings to the chicken, promising a crispy, cheesy bite.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (easy cleanup as a bonus!). Spread the coated chicken bites out in an even layer, ensuring there’s space between each piece—nobody likes soggy bites!
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. As they bake, the rich, nutty aroma of the Parmesan fills the kitchen. It’s hard to resist snacking right then!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once they’re done, take them out and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This dash of green adds a lovely touch both visually and in flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the olive oil: This step is crucial for ensuring the coating adheres and crisps up beautifully.
- Crowding the baking sheet: Make sure to give each chicken piece space. Overcrowding will lead to steaming rather than crisping.
- Using pre-grated cheese: While convenient, pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheesy crust from forming, so always opt for fresh!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a zesty kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Pair these bites with a homemade garlic aioli or marinara sauce for dipping; it elevates the dish and provides a nice contrast.
- Leftovers (if you have any!) can be reheated in the oven for about 5 minutes at 350°F to crisp them back up.
Variations
- Swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein source.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for varied flavor profiles.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a side of dipping sauce like ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
- Present on a charcuterie board alongside assorted cheeses and cured meats for a festive appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken bites and coat them in advance; refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: These bites can be frozen before baking. Just coat them and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container for longer storage.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Testing this recipe reminded me how powerful simple ingredients can be when combined with care. I also realized that having a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe is key during the bustling holiday season, allowing me to spend more time with loved ones rather than in the kitchen.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 5-6 bites
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 30g protein · 10g carbs · 20g fat
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about an inch long.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, drizzle the chicken pieces with olive oil and toss gently.
- Add the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, stirring to coat every bit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the coated chicken bites out in an even layer.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will be slightly juicier but will work just as well with the coating.
Q2: Can I make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and coating in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and then bake them just before serving.
Q3: What can I use as a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
A3: If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or even a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile, but the taste will vary.
Q4: Are these chicken bites gluten-free?
A4: To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your seasoning blend is also gluten-free.
Q5: How do I know when the chicken bites are fully cooked?
A5: The chicken bites are fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
