Description
These Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites are a perfect snack or appetizer, offering a crispy, cheesy exterior with tender and juicy chicken inside. Coated with a flavorful blend of Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and spices, then pan-fried to golden perfection, they make a delightful treat that’s quick and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Coating
- 2 large eggs, beaten until smooth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Start by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and are perfect for the coating process.
- Mix the coating ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. This mixture will provide a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth. This will act as the adhesive to help the coating stick to the chicken bites.
- Coat the chicken bites: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make the coating stick well.
- Heat the pan: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You can also use cooking spray as an alternative to reduce fat.
- Cook the chicken bites: Place the coated chicken bites into the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Drain and serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the coating mixture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better texture and taste.
- If you prefer to bake the bites, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the pan during cooking to maintain crispiness.
- These bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
