Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Crispy, juicy bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a flavorful garlic parmesan crust. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or quick dinner, these chicken bites balance savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and fresh herbs for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to prepare and versatile.
Equipment
- Air fryer, oven, or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet and wire rack
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Grater and zester
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (plus more for cooking)
- Optional: lemon zest, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F or oven to 425°F.
- In a bowl, whisk egg with olive oil or butter.
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange bites in a single layer on a wire rack over a baking sheet or in air fryer basket.
- Cook 10–12 minutes air fryer (shake halfway), or 15–20 minutes in oven, flipping once, until golden and cooked to 165°F internal temp.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon zest. Serve warm with dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and parmesan for best flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
- For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Store leftovers in airtight container and reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
- Adjust seasoning and add red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.