Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces (cut into 1–2 inch bites)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- Black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 2 inches each, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, drizzle the chicken pieces with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs and Cheese: Combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Dredge each seasoned chicken piece in the mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well and forms a crispy crust when baked.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a lightly greased wire rack to allow air circulation around them for optimal crispiness.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken bites for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to promote even browning. The bites should be golden and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve warm with your favorite dips.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Use a wire rack to bake for better air circulation and crisper coating.
- Do not skip Parmesan cheese as it contributes to the golden color and flavor.
- Flip the chicken bites halfway through baking for even browning on all sides.
- Allow the bites to rest for a couple of minutes after baking to let the crust set perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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