Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites
These crispy Parmesan crusted chicken bites are golden, crunchy, and packed with irresistible cheesy flavor. Perfect as a quick snack, appetizer, or meal addition, they deliver a mouthwatering crunch with juicy chicken inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (100g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
- 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for frying or drizzling)
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Instructions
- Cut 1 pound (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches). Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup (100g) finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Place ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour in a separate shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs at room temperature with ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional).
- Lightly coat each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then roll in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange coated chicken bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- For frying: Heat 2-3 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken bites in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Let the bites rest for 2-3 minutes before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Use room temperature eggs for better adhesion. Flip halfway when baking for even browning. Maintain medium-high heat when frying to avoid soggy bites. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Mustard powder in egg wash adds subtle tang and helps crust stick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 ounces (115g
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 25
Keywords: crispy chicken bites, Parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, appetizer, snack, baked chicken, fried chicken bites, Parmesan crust