Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

I made these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites on a weeknight when my kitchen judgment was powered by a single cold brew and an overconfident YouTube tutorial. Bite-sized, garlicky, and leaping with parmesan like it’s auditioning for a rom-com, they’re basically delicious little troublemakers — crispy outside, tender inside, and perfectly suited for pretending you cooked something fancy while actually doing very little. Try them because they’re easy, reliably crowd-pleasing, and because life is short and you deserve chicken that makes you feel like you have your act together for five minutes.

One time my husband announced he’d “help” by grating the parmesan and then proudly presented a bowl that was 90% plastic bag shreds and 10% cheese. The kids used the chicken bites as building blocks and a small pastry chef attempted to deep-fry a phone charger (don’t ask). I set a timer, ignored it, and then frantically rescued dinner with a cold towel and a hairdryer. Spoiler: the bites survived. My pride did not.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use pre-grated parmesan and pre-minced garlic when you’re low on dignity and high on hunger — it works.
– Rotisserie chicken, chopped, tossed in garlic butter and toasted parm? Instant cheat day hero.
– Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment so you don’t have to have a sob-fueled sink moment afterward.
– Cook in one pan and serve in the same pan. Yes, it’s lazy. No, I won’t apologize.
– If you’re rushing, toss the bites in panko breadcrumbs from a bag and bake — crunch, done.

Serving Ideas

– Serve with a simple lemony green salad, because your kids need to think they’re getting vitamins.
– Offer ranch or a spicy aioli for dipping — dip wars are a legitimate way to keep picky eaters quiet.
– Pair with a crisp white wine if someone in the house made you rehearse a speech today.
– Pile them on top of buttery pasta for maximum comfort-carb synergy.
– Or, just hand someone a paper towel and call it a platter. I won’t judge.

What to Serve It With

– Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites + roasted broccoli = adulting level: moderate.
– Over mashed potatoes with extra gravy if you need a hug disguised as dinner.
– In tacos with slaw and lime for a party mood.
– On a charcuterie board next to cheese that isn’t parmesan (yes, I’m aware of the irony).

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your bites are touching, they’ll steam, not crisp — and you want crisp.
– Add the parmesan at the end or it will brown and get bitter if exposed to high heat for too long. Learn from my mistakes; I once made parmesan confetti.
– Garlic burns fast and then becomes bitter and judgmental. Keep it moving and don’t let it sit alone in hot oil.
– Use a meat thermometer if you’re new to chicken: 165°F (74°C) is the chill, literal truth.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
– Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crisp; microwave will make them sad and floppy.
– Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months — reheat from frozen for best crunch.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian twist — coat the same way and pretend nothing changed.
– Use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes if you need GF crunch.
– Swap butter for olive oil, or use a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
– Swap herbs: basil, parsley, or even a whisper of thyme.
– Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

These delicious garlic parmesan chicken bites make for a perfect appetizer or snack, crispy and full of flavor!

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 lb boneless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour For coating.
• ▢ 2 large eggs Beaten.
• ▢ 1 cup bread crumbs Panko preferred for extra crunch.
• ▢ 0.5 cup parmesan cheese Grated.
• ▢ 3 tbsp garlic Minced.
• ▢ 2 tbsp butter Melted for the sauce.
• ▢ 1 tbsp Italian seasoning Add more for extra flavor if desired.
• ▢ 1 tsp salt To taste.
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Prepare three bowls - one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip it into the egg, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
• Place the coated chicken bites onto the baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
• Serve warm, garnished with additional parmesan if desired and enjoy!

Notes

Try serving these with a side of marinara sauce for dipping for added flavor!