These chicken bites are a perfect blend of crispy and juicy, making them an irresistible snack or meal option. They’re quick to make, flavorful, and can be paired with your favorite dips or sides. Whether youโre hosting a party or looking for a quick dinner fix, these chicken bites will never disappoint.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy:ย Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile:ย Pair with various dips or use in wraps and salads.
- Family-friendly:ย Loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable:ย Adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for any occasion:ย Great as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Eggs
- Bread crumbs (panko preferred)
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Directions
- Prepare the chicken:ย Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up your coating station:ย Prepare three bowls โ one with flour mixed with cornstarch, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Coat the chicken:ย Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip in eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat the oil:ย In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Fry the chicken:ย Fry the coated chicken bites in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and serve:ย Remove the chicken bites from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4
- Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 15 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Bites:ย Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option:ย Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Baked Version:ย Instead of frying, bake the coated chicken bites in a preheated oven at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air-Fryer Method:ย Air fry the chicken bites at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket midway.
- Herb-Infused:ย Add dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumbs for an aromatic twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Reheat in an oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and can add a richer flavor to the bites.
2. Can I make chicken bites ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying.
3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
4. Can I freeze cooked chicken bites?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
5. What dips pair well with chicken bites?
Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo are excellent choices.
6. Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?
Absolutely. A deep fryer ensures even cooking and reduces splattering.
7. Are chicken bites healthy?
Frying adds extra calories, but baking or air frying can make them healthier.
8. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based milk alternative for the egg wash if desired.
9. Why is cornstarch used in the coating?
Cornstarch helps make the coating extra crispy.
10. What sides go well with chicken bites?
Fries, coleslaw, a side salad, or steamed vegetables are great pairings.
Conclusion
Chicken bites are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines ease and flavor. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these crispy morsels are a hit with any crowd. Perfect for game day, a casual dinner, or meal prep, theyโre a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire. Try them today, and watch them disappear in no time!
Print
Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender, juicy chicken bites pan-seared until golden brown and tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a savory appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic (about 6 cloves)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating:ย In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and granulated garlic. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken:ย Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken pieces in an even layer and cook without moving them for about 4 minutes, until browned on one side. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:ย Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the grated garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly browned, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook, stirring often, until most of the wine has evaporated, about 2 minutes.
- Combine and Serve:ย Add the butter and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring until the butter is fully melted. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the butter mixture until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions:ย These chicken bites pair well with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad. They also make a great appetizer when served with toothpicks.
- Variations:ย For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. You can also substitute the Italian seasoning with your favorite herb blend.
- Storage:ย Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
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