Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites are little nuggets of joy! Coated in cheesy goodness and mixed with savory herbs, these bites are crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
They’re perfect for game day or a fun snack at home. I love serving them with a tasty dipping sauce—who can resist a good dip? Trust me, you’ll be reaching for more! 🐔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness. If you prefer, chicken thighs can also be used for more flavor and juiciness.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a lighter, crunchier coating. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture may be different. Try crushing some crackers as a unique alternative!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always best. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute. Just keep the flavor balance in mind.
Herbs: You can use fresh herbs instead of dried, but double the amount since dried herbs are more potent. If rosemary isn’t your favorite, try thyme or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get the Chicken Bites Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is all about how you prepare the chicken bites before frying. Here are some tricks:
- Ensure your chicken pieces are fully coat with the egg wash and the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a good seal.
- If using flour, make sure to shake off any excess to prevent a gummy texture.
- Fry the bites in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy bites.
- Keep the oil at a steady medium heat. If the oil is too hot, it will burn the coating before the chicken cooks through. If it’s too low, it won’t crisp up.
Finally, drain the fried bites on paper towels immediately to remove excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy!
How to Make Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning (or a mix of dried parsley, oregano, basil)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for dredging)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Creamy herb dipping sauce (optional; like ranch or garlic aioli)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes for frying, depending on the size of your batches. So, overall, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish to have these deliciously crispy chicken bites on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by preparing three shallow bowls: In the first bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper (this step is optional, but it can give extra crispiness); in the second bowl, beat the eggs; in the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together to create a flavorful coating.
2. Get the Chicken Ready:
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better. If you are using flour, lightly dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any extra. This gives a nice base for the egg and breadcrumbs to adhere to.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken bite and dip it first into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well. This ensures a beautiful, crispy exterior when cooked!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan (around 1/4 inch). Heat the oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping a few breadcrumbs in; if they sizzle, it’s ready!
5. Fry the Chicken Bites:
Add the coated chicken bites in batches to the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. This helps them cook evenly and stay crispy. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Drain and Garnish:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken bites and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This keeps your bites crispy. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley over the top for added flavor and presentation!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing zing and your favorite dipping sauce for some extra flavor. Enjoy your tasty, crunchy bites!
Bon appétit! 🍽️😊
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless, and cut them into similar-sized bites for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, you can reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, rather than in the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour alternative for dredging, ensuring everyone can enjoy these tasty bites!
What Should I Serve with Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites?
They’re fantastic on their own, but you can serve them with a variety of dips like ranch or garlic aioli, alongside fresh salads or even pasta to create a full meal!