Description
Craving something crispy, cheesy, and ready fast? These Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites deliver golden crunch and juicy chicken in every bite—perfect for a quick dinner, football snacks, or kid-approved lunches. Simple pantry ingredients (Parmesan, panko, garlic, paprika) build big flavor with minimal effort. Make them baked or pan-fried, and serve with ranch, marinara, or honey mustard. Ideal for busy weeknights, party appetizers, meal prep, and lunchbox ideas. If you’re searching for quick breakfast (leftovers in a wrap!), easy dinner, healthy snack alternatives, or just fresh food ideas to rotate into your week, this easy recipe checks every box for fast, family-friendly dinner ideas.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large eggs beaten
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
1. Cut and Dry: Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and pat very dry with paper towels.
2. Prep Coatings: Whisk eggs in a bowl. In a second bowl, combine Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread: Dip chicken in egg, then press into the Parmesan mixture to coat all sides.
4. Cook (Skillet): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook bites 4–5 minutes per side until golden and 165°F inside. Work in batches.
5. Or Bake: Place on a parchment-lined sheet (wire rack if available), spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Serve: Rest 2 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Grate Parmesan from a block for the crispiest crust.
Use a wire rack and convection fan for maximum crunch when baking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baked or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8 bites
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 155
Keywords: parmesan chicken bites, easy appetizer, quick dinner, kid-friendly, party food, oven baked chicken, skillet chicken