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To make crispy baked chicken bites, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk) - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil These ingredients work together to create a tasty, crunchy texture. You can enhance your chicken bites with these optional ingredients: - Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish - Spicy aioli or honey mustard for dipping Adding these can elevate your dish and make it more fun. Ensure you have these tools on hand for easy cooking: - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Medium mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Tongs for flipping the chicken These tools will help you prepare and cook your chicken bites efficiently. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by cutting 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps ensure even cooking. Rinse them under cold water to remove any residue. Dry the chicken with paper towels. This step is key for getting a crispy finish. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until everything combines well. Next, dip each chicken piece in 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Let any extra liquid drip off. Then, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to help it stick. Arrange the chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have space between them for even cooking. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken bites. This will help them turn golden and crispy. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes. The chicken is done when it turns golden brown and hits an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For an extra crunch, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. Once they are baked, take the chicken bites out and let them cool slightly. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce! To make your chicken bites extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They are larger and provide amazing crunch. You can also add a bit more olive oil. This helps the coating brown nicely. For a fun twist, try using crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs. They add a great crunch too! Dipping sauces can make your bites even better. Some great choices are spicy aioli, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. You can even mix ketchup with hot sauce for a simple kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add color and a burst of flavor. Bake your chicken bites at 425°F (220°C) for the best results. Keep an eye on the time; 15 to 20 minutes is perfect. If you want them crispier, switch your oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Just watch closely to avoid burning. Pro Tips Quality Chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture in your bites. Panko Perfection: For an even crunchier coating, consider mixing in some crushed cornflakes or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Space Them Out: Ensure the chicken bites are spaced apart on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate and promotes even cooking. Resting Time: Let the chicken bites rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps retain moisture and enhances the overall flavor. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your crispy baked chicken bites easily. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix. If you want a fresh herb flavor, mix in chopped basil or thyme. You can even try a sweet and tangy twist by adding some honey to the buttermilk. Each option offers a unique taste that makes your chicken bites exciting. If you need gluten-free options, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko. This keeps the crunch while making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a different texture. For a nutty flavor, think about using ground almonds or coconut flakes. These changes let everyone enjoy the dish. Pair your chicken bites with tasty dipping sauces. Spicy aioli adds a bold touch, while honey mustard offers sweetness. You can also use ranch or barbecue sauce for extra flavor. For a fresh look, sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top. This adds color and freshness to your dish, making it more appealing on the plate. After enjoying your crispy baked chicken bites, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can place them in the fridge for up to three days. If you let them cool first, they will stay crispier. Avoid stacking them to prevent sogginess. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken bites on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This brings back their crispy texture. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method works great for reheating. You can freeze chicken bites for later. Allow them to cool completely first. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, bake them from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To make your chicken bites crispier, use panko breadcrumbs. They give a great crunch. You can also try these tips: - Double-coat the chicken: Dip in buttermilk, coat with breadcrumbs, then repeat. This adds more crunch. - Use a wire rack: Place the coated chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet. It helps air circulate and makes them crispier. - Broil at the end: Switch to broil for the last few minutes of baking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely. If you use frozen chicken, follow these steps: - Thaw in the fridge: Plan ahead and let it sit overnight. - Pat dry: Once thawed, dry the chicken well with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. - Cook slightly longer: Frozen chicken may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Chicken bites pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Veggie sticks: Carrots, celery, and bell peppers with a dip. - Salads: A light salad with greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing. - Fries or sweet potato fries: They add a nice crunch and complement the bites. - Mac and cheese: A creamy side that kids love. - Dipping sauces: Try honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli for extra flavor. This blog post covered everything you need to make chicken bites. We discussed required and optional ingredients, along with the essential tools. You learned each step to prep, coat, bake, and finish your chicken bites. I shared tips for extra crispiness and tasty dip options. You also saw flavor variations and storage advice. With these insights, you can create your own perfect chicken bites at home. Enjoy your cooking journey and experiment with flavors!

Crispy Baked Chicken Bites

Deliciously crunchy chicken bites, perfect for dipping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the breadcrumbs are uniformly seasoned.
  • Take each chicken piece and dip it into the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, ensuring a light coating.
  • Next, roll the chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing down to ensure a good, even coating sticks to the chicken.
  • Arrange the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure there is space between each piece for even cooking.
  • Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken bites to promote a golden, crispy exterior as they bake.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • For an extra crunchy finish, switch the oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
  • Once baked, remove the chicken bites from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Pair with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
Keyword appetizer, baked, chicken, crispy