Description
Oven Baked Chicken Bites are crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken pieces coated in a parmesan breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. This quick and easy recipe is a healthier alternative to fried chicken, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or meal component loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch or regular)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Variations
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary (for herb infusion)
- Gluten-free alternative: substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cereal or almond flour
- Cheese lovers: add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese with breadcrumbs
- Asian-inspired glaze: mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce with 1 tablespoon honey to toss cooked bites
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the bites nicely without drying them out.
- Prepare the Coating: In one bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful crust. Add any optional spices or herbs if desired.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then thoroughly dredge in the breadcrumb mix, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack to allow heat circulation for maximum crispiness. Make sure to space them apart to avoid overcrowding.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through baking to achieve an even golden crust on all sides. The chicken is cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Pat dry the chicken pieces before coating to help the coating stick better and crisp up nicely.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; space chicken bites apart for even cooking and crispiness.
- Flip the chicken bites halfway during baking to promote a uniform golden crust.
- Let the chicken bites rest briefly after baking to lock in juiciness and crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: oven baked chicken bites, crispy chicken bites, baked chicken appetizer, healthy chicken snacks, easy chicken recipes, gluten free chicken bites