Introduction: These Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites are a quick and tasty option for a healthy snack, appetizer, or meal. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a party, these bite-sized chicken pieces will be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients:
500g (about 1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Prepare the chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
Season the breadcrumbs:
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Coat the chicken:
Drizzle the chicken pieces with olive oil or melted butter to help the breadcrumbs stick and provide a golden crust.
Dredge each piece of chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they are evenly coated.
Bake the chicken bites:
Arrange the breaded chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded so they can crisp up nicely.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C (165°F).
Serve:
Once baked, remove the chicken bites from the oven and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Description:
These Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. Coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection, they’re a satisfying and tasty snack or meal. The combination of garlic, onion, and paprika gives these chicken bites great flavor, while the Parmesan adds a touch of richness. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these chicken bites are sure to please!
Tips:
For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
You can marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an extra boost of flavor before breading.
If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
Serve with a side of vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Variations:
Spicy Chicken Bites: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Buffalo Chicken Bites: After baking, toss the chicken bites in buffalo sauce for a spicy and tangy twist.
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Bites: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mixture for an extra cheesy flavor.
Crispy Herb Chicken Bites: Use a mix of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil in place of or alongside oregano for a more fragrant option.
Corrections:
Be sure not to overcrowd the chicken pieces on the baking sheet; this will ensure they bake evenly and become crispy.
If you find the chicken bites aren’t as crispy as you’d like, try broiling them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Enjoy:
Serve these crispy and flavorful oven-baked chicken bites with your favorite dips and enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They’re simple, delicious, and the whole family will love them!
