Description

Oven Baked Chicken Bites are a delightfully crispy, healthier alternative to fried snacks. Featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy panko and Parmesan mixture, these bites are simple to make, kid-approved, and customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Perfect for snacks, parties, or a quick protein boost, they bake to golden perfection with minimal oil and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch bite-sized pieces

Coating

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Crisping

2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces (1 to 1.5 inches). Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better coating adhesion and crispiness.
Mix the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
Coat the chicken bites: Lightly brush each chicken piece with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Roll the pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating on all sides.
Bake to perfection: Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Bake until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy bites.

Notes

Pat dry chicken to achieve the crispiest coating.
Use panko breadcrumbs for superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; leave space between pieces for even cooking and crispiness.
For extra crunch, place chicken bites on a wire rack during baking to allow air circulation.
Let bites rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices and improve texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 oz (about 6-8 bites)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 0.5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg