These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are crispy, juicy, and packed with bold, savory flavors. Coated in a crunchy Parmesan crust and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, these bite-sized chicken pieces are perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them on their own for a mouthwatering snack or main dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
- Bold garlic and Parmesan flavors in every bite
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Kid-friendly and perfect for parties, snacks, or meals
- Baked or air-fried for a healthier option
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken bites:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil or melted butter (for baking or air frying)
For the garlic butter sauce:
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for extra topping)
For serving:
- Marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli (optional for dipping)
Directions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or air fryer basket.
- Prepare the coating: Set up three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake or air-fry:
- Oven: Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Air Fryer: Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley.
- Toss and serve: Once the chicken bites are cooked, toss them in the garlic butter sauce and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Chicken Bites: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a tangy twist.
- Cheesy Explosion: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the breadcrumb mixture for extra gooey bites.
- Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of regular flour and breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C), or in an air fryer until crispy.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and offer more flavor, making them a great alternative.
Can I bake these chicken bites instead of frying?
Yes, baking or air-frying results in a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
What dipping sauces go well with garlic Parmesan chicken bites?
Ranch, marinara, garlic aioli, or a spicy buffalo sauce pair perfectly with these bites.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken and let the coated bites rest for 5 minutes before baking or frying.
Can I make these chicken bites gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
How do I know when the chicken bites are done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Can I prepare the chicken bites ahead of time?
Yes, coat the chicken bites, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What can I serve with garlic Parmesan chicken bites?
Serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or fries for a complete meal.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a stronger flavor, but pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch.
How can I make the chicken bites extra crispy?
Double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb steps for a thicker, crunchier coating.
Conclusion
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are crispy, juicy, and packed with bold garlic and cheesy goodness. Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a fun dinner, they’re quick to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a bite-sized dish full of irresistible flavor!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or easy weeknight dinner, they’re ready in under 30 minutes! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over pasta for a quick, flavor-packed meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Pan-fried, Air-fried (optional)
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil for frying)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken:
- In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss chicken pieces in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
2. Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken bites in batches (avoid overcrowding) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C / 165°F).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Make the garlic parmesan sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until combined.
4. Toss the chicken:
- Place cooked chicken bites in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken and toss until fully coated.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot with ranch, marinara sauce, or over pasta for a full meal.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, air-fry the chicken bites at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Swap out Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a stronger cheese flavor.
- Add lemon zest for a bright, fresh twist.