These Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites are juicy, tasty, and perfect for any gathering! Coated with delicious herbs and cheese, each bite is a little piece of joy.
Cooking these is super simple! I love serving them with a dipping sauce on the side. It’s like chicken popcorn—who can resist? 😄 Plus, they make a great snack or appetizer!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless breasts or thighs work best for tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use turkey breast. If you have leftover grilled chicken, chop it up and use that, too! It’s a great way to reduce waste.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a lovely crunch! However, regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers more flavor than pre-grated varieties. If you’re looking for alternatives, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Herbs: I love using parsley and rosemary, but feel free to mix it up! Thyme, oregano, or basil can also add a wonderful flavor. Dried herbs can be used too, just reduce the amount by half.
Why is Coating Chicken So Important?
The coating gives the chicken bites that delicious crunch we all love. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure to dry the chicken with paper towels; this helps the coating stick better.
- When dredging, make sure to coat each piece thoroughly but gently shake off excess flour and eggs. This prevents a soggy coating.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken firmly. This ensures the coating adheres well during frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying! This can lower the oil temperature and make the bites soggy.
Try these tips, and you’ll have perfectly crunchy and flavorful chicken bites every time! Enjoy! 🍽️
How to Make Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying and Garnish:
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- Extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20-25 minutes total—around 10 minutes for preparation and about 10-15 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and rewarding recipe to whip up for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dipping Stations:
Set up your work area with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until combined. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will create deliciously seasoned coating for the chicken!
2. Drying the Chicken:
Using paper towels, pat the chicken pieces dry. This step helps the batter stick better, ensuring a crispy bite!
3. Dredging the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks nicely.
4. Heating the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it to make sure it shimmers but doesn’t start smoking. This is the perfect temperature for frying!
5. Frying the Chicken Bites:
Carefully place the chicken bites in the hot oil, cooking in small batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Make sure to flip them gently!
6. Draining the Excess Oil:
Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crisp!
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Transfer the chicken bites to a serving plate and sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a nice touch. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or marinara. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor to the bites. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the breasts for even cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work fine! For a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes or a gluten-free breadcrumb blend.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken bites on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.