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To make crispy oven baked chicken bites, you'll need: - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 eggs, beaten - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a tasty and crunchy snack that everyone will love. You can customize your chicken bites by adding: - A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat - Lemon zest for a fresh twist - Other herbs like rosemary or dill Feel free to experiment with these options and find your favorite flavors. If you don't have certain items, don't worry! Here are some swaps: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite. - Swap panko for regular breadcrumbs if needed. - For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. These substitutions still keep your chicken bites delicious and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with one pound of chicken breast. Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are even in size. This helps them cook evenly. In a bowl, mix one cup of breadcrumbs, half a cup of grated Parmesan, and one tablespoon of dried Italian herbs. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In another bowl, beat two eggs and stir in one tablespoon of olive oil. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mix. Make sure it gets fully coated. Then roll it in the breadcrumb mix until it is well covered. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken bites on the sheet. Give them space to cook well. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and reach 165°F (74°C) inside. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. To get the best crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a great texture. Coat each piece of chicken well. Don’t skip the egg wash; it helps the breadcrumbs stick. Space the chicken bites on the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate for even cooking. Lastly, bake them until golden brown for that perfect crisp. These chicken bites are great for any meal. Serve them with marinara or honey mustard for dipping. You can also add fresh veggies on the side. Try a simple salad or crunchy carrot sticks. If you want to impress guests, serve in a basket lined with parchment paper. It looks nice and is easy to grab. One mistake is crowding the baking sheet. This traps steam and makes the chicken soggy. Another mistake is skipping the seasoning. Make sure to add enough salt and pepper to the breadcrumb mix. Also, don’t forget to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It needs to reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Always let the chicken bites cool a bit before serving; they taste best that way. Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunchy texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Season the Chicken: Before coating, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor. Space them Out: When placing the chicken bites on the baking sheet, ensure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken bites reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. {{image_2}} To add some heat, mix cayenne pepper into your breadcrumb mix. Use about half a teaspoon for a mild kick. If you want it spicier, add more to taste. You can also use hot sauce in the egg mixture for extra flavor. This change will make your chicken bites exciting and tasty. For a cheesy surprise, try stuffing each chicken piece with cheese. Use mozzarella or cheddar cheese cubes. After coating the chicken, cut a slit in each piece. Insert a cheese cube before baking. This gives you a melty, gooey center that everyone will love. If you need a gluten-free option, switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many stores sell these. You can also crush gluten-free crackers as a substitute. Ensure that all other ingredients, like spices and cheese, are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these bites without worry. To keep your oven baked chicken bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. Let them cool completely before storing. This helps avoid sogginess. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken bites on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy and hot. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may not stay as crispy. To freeze chicken bites, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months. When you want to eat them, just bake from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to your baking time. You can tell when chicken bites are done by checking their color and temperature. They should be golden brown on the outside. The inside must reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This helps prevent undercooked chicken. After baking for 15-20 minutes, check them closely. If they look crispy and the temperature is right, they are ready to serve. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs often have more flavor and stay moist. Cut them into bite-sized pieces like you would with breasts. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so check for doneness as mentioned earlier. This option adds a different taste and texture to the dish. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cuts to find what you love. Many dipping sauces go great with chicken bites. Here are a few ideas: - Marinara sauce for a classic Italian touch - Honey mustard for a sweet twist - BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor - Ranch dressing for creamy goodness - Spicy aioli for a kick These sauces add extra flavor and make your chicken bites even more enjoyable. Try mixing and matching to find your favorite combo! This blog post covered how to make tasty chicken bites. We discussed key ingredients, including options and swaps. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping and baking. You learned tips for crispiness and serving ideas. We explored fun variations, like spicy and cheese-stuffed bites. I also included storage methods and answered common questions. In the end, making chicken bites is fun and easy. You can try different styles and flavors. Enjoy your cooking!

Crispy Herb-Packed Oven Baked Chicken Bites

Delicious and crunchy chicken bites packed with herbs, perfect for a snack or appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the olive oil.
  • Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until well covered.
  • Place the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara or honey mustard for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, baked, chicken, herbs