These Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, packed with delicious cheesy flavor. They make a great snack or appetizer for any gathering!
Who can resist these little bites? I love serving them with a side of dipping sauce—it’s a big hit at parties! You’ll definitely want to keep some for yourself when you make them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For tender bites, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you’d like, chicken thighs work well too, adding a bit more flavor. You can also try using turkey if that’s what you have on hand!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create an amazing crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but they won’t be quite as crispy. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free panko.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor and crispiness. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Nutritional yeast can work for a vegan option, giving a cheesy taste.
Herbs: Dried Italian herbs can be swapped with any fresh herbs you like. Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme will add extra flavor. Just chop them up and use about three times as much if you go fresh!
How Do I Get a Perfect Crunch on Chicken Bites?
The secret to that delightful crunch lies in the breading process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to coat each chicken piece in the egg wash first, letting the excess drip off—this helps the breadcrumbs stick.
- Coat thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mix, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
- Fry in hot oil (medium heat is key!), and avoid crowding the pan. This lets each piece crisp up nicely without steaming.
- Don’t rush the cooking! A good 3-4 minutes on each side gives the perfect golden color.
These steps will help you get that crispy bite every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or avocado oil, for frying (about 3-4 tbsp)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes total—about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking! So, you can have these delicious bites ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Breading Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper, then give it a good mix to combine all those yummy flavors.
2. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat together the eggs and milk until they’re fully combined and smooth. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken later on.
3. Season the Chicken Bites:
Lightly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor. Make sure every piece gets a little love!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off before rolling it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. Lay the coated pieces on a plate ready for frying.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to fry but not smoking! Once it’s hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan so they cook evenly and get nice and crispy!
6. Cook Until Golden:
Fry the chicken bites for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
7. Drain and Garnish:
Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them crispy! Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites while they’re warm, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce—think garlic aioli, ranch, or marinara. They’re perfect for snacking or as an appetizer for gatherings!
Enjoy each crunchy, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and stay juicier than breasts. Just make sure to still cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch, though they won’t give the same crunch. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep that crispy goodness!
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
