Description
Crispy chicken bites coated in breadcrumbs and Parmesan, served with marinara sauce for dipping, perfect for appetizers or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for baked version)
- Cooking spray (for air fryer version)
- 1½ cups marinara sauce, warmed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, ¾ cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne in the third.
- Dredge each chicken cube in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- For the oven-baked version, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, drizzle olive oil over breaded chicken, and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden and cooked through. For air fryer, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
- Immediately sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan over the hot chicken bites when removed from heat.
- Serve on a platter with warmed marinara sauce, extra mozzarella, and fresh basil for garnish.
Notes
For extra crispiness, consider double-coating the chicken or using a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking. These can be made ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 bites
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 200mg