Craving something savory and satisfying?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are the answer!
These bite-sized delights are crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-addictive.
Perfect for parties, family dinners, or even a snack, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Whether you’re frying or baking, using these tips and tricks will help you create the perfect chicken bites every time. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Here are some serving suggestions to make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites even more enjoyable:
Side Dishes:
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and colorful addition.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh salad, such as Caesar salad, mixed greens with vinaigrette, or a classic Greek salad.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the crispy chicken bites perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Add some warm garlic bread or breadsticks to enhance the garlic flavor in the meal.
Dipping Sauces:
- Marinara Sauce: A tangy marinara sauce provides a nice contrast to the savory chicken bites.
- Ranch Dressing: Classic ranch dressing adds a cool and creamy element.
- Garlic Aioli: Enhance the garlic flavor with a homemade or store-bought garlic aioli.
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce pairs beautifully with the Parmesan and garlic flavors.
- Buffalo Sauce: For a spicy kick, serve with buffalo sauce or a spicy mayo dip.
Appetizer Presentation:
- Platter: Arrange the chicken bites on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
- Lettuce Cups: Serve the chicken bites in lettuce cups for a low-carb, fresh presentation.
- Skewers: Thread the chicken bites onto small skewers for a fun and easy-to-eat appetizer.
Main Course Presentation:
- Pasta: Serve over a bed of pasta with Alfredo or marinara sauce for a hearty main dish.
- Rice or Quinoa: Pair with a serving of rice, quinoa, or another grain for a complete meal.
- Tacos: Use the chicken bites as a filling for tacos, topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce.
Garnishes:
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with additional chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken bites to add a bright, citrusy note.
These serving suggestions will help you create a versatile and delicious meal featuring Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites, whether you’re enjoying them as a main course, appetizer, or party snack.
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites turn out perfectly:
Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Proper Breading Technique: When breading the chicken, make sure to shake off any excess egg before coating it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breading onto the chicken pieces to help it adhere better.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly minced garlic will enhance the flavor of the dish. Avoid using pre-grated cheese or jarred garlic if possible.
Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking the chicken bites in the skillet, avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, resulting in less crispy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
Monitor Heat: Keep the skillet over medium-high heat. Too high a heat can cause the chicken to burn before it’s cooked through, while too low a heat can result in soggy breading. Adjust the heat as needed.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Drain Excess Oil: After cooking, place the chicken bites on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain their crispiness.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the chicken bites immediately after cooking. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low oven (about 200°F) until ready to serve.
Add More Flavor: Feel free to add more herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture. Dried basil, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add extra depth to the flavor.
Air Fryer Option: For a healthier version, cook the breaded chicken bites in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method uses less oil and still yields crispy results.
Double Breading: For an extra crispy coating, you can double bread the chicken bites. Dip them in the egg mixture, coat with the breadcrumb mixture, and then repeat the process.
Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll achieve delicious, crispy, and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites every time.
Enjoy the savory combination of garlic and Parmesan in this easy and crowd-pleasing dish!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
While you can use pre-cooked chicken, starting with raw chicken gives the best flavor and texture. Pre-cooked chicken can become overcooked and dry during the frying or baking process.
How do I make the coating stick better?
Ensure each piece of chicken is fully coated in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere better.
What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are great substitutes for parmesan. They offer a similar texture and flavor profile.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Additional grated Parmesan for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Mixture:In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Bread the Chicken:Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.Roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breading.
- Cook the Chicken:In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.Add the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Garnish and Serve:Once all the chicken bites are cooked, sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
- Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are of uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the breading to become soggy instead of crispy.
- Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep the cooked chicken bites warm in a low oven (about 200°F) until ready to serve.
- Air Fryer Option: For a healthier alternative, cook the breaded chicken bites in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.