These Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites are small, crispy joys packed with flavor! Each bite has a crunchy coating and a soft, juicy chicken inside, all seasoned to perfection.
I love serving these up as a fun snack during movie night or game day. You can’t go wrong with a little extra dip on the side, right? They disappear fast around here! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness, but breast works too. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can substitute with firm tofu cut into pieces for a vegetarian option.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor and texture, but store-bought is a good alternative if you’re short on time. Nutritional yeast makes a great dairy-free substitute with a cheesy flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a wonderful crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs are fine, but you’ll lose that extra crunch. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are another good swap for gluten-free diets.
Fresh Herbs: I love using parsley, thyme, and sage in this recipe, but feel free to play around! Dried herbs can work in a pinch, just reduce the amount to about a third of fresh herbs.
How Do I Get My Chicken Bites Extra Crispy?
To achieve deliciously crispy chicken bites, follow these steps for the coating. First, use panko breadcrumbs—they’re a game changer! The key is to coat them properly: dip the chicken in the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure it sticks well.
- Heat your oil until it’s hot; this prevents the coating from becoming soggy.
- Don’t crowd the pan—this allows the chicken to fry evenly and stay crispy!
- Flip once and keep an eye on the time; 3-4 minutes per side is perfect.
Lastly, letting them rest on a paper towel helps absorb any excess oil, keeping them crunchy when served!
Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you around 15 minutes to prep and about 10-15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to delicious finish. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Breadings:
Start by getting your bowls ready! In the first bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten. In the second bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, sage, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This is your tasty coating mixture that will give your chicken bites a crunchy and flavorful crust.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to coat the chicken! Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, rolling it around gently to coat all sides. Press down lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough that it sizzles when you add the chicken but not so hot that it burns. This is key to getting a crispy outer layer.
4. Fry the Chicken Bites:
Carefully place the coated chicken bites into the skillet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow even frying. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’ve turned golden brown and are cooked through.
5. Drain and Serve:
Once the chicken bites are done, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy! Finally, sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh herbs if you like.
6. Enjoy!
Serve these bites warm and enjoy as a delightful appetizer or snack. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. The easiest way to thaw is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight, or you can place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a couple of hours.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be as crispy. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers can give a nice crunch, too!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Chicken Bites in the Oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. You can lightly spray them with cooking oil for extra crispiness!
