If you love crispy, flavorful chicken with a garlicky, cheesy twist, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are for you! They’re golden brown, juicy, and coated in buttery garlic Parmesan goodness—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
These chicken bites are easy to make in under 30 minutes and can be cooked in a skillet, air fryer, or oven. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, over pasta, or in a salad for a delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy & Juicy – Perfectly golden on the outside, tender on the inside.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✔ Garlic Butter + Parmesan = Flavor Bomb – The ultimate combo.
✔ Versatile – Great for snacking, meal prep, or pairing with pasta!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Parmesan Coating:
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Skillet Method (Quick & Crispy!)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Air Fryer Method (Extra Crispy!)
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and add the chicken in a single layer.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Oven Method (Great for a Crowd!)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the chicken in a single layer.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Coating
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss the cooked chicken bites in the garlic Parmesan mixture, coating them evenly.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan.
- Serve with ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli for dipping!
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
✔ Use fresh Parmesan – It melts better and gives the best flavor.
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan – This ensures even browning.
✔ Want extra crispy bites? – Toss the chicken in panko breadcrumbs before cooking.
✔ Add more garlic! – If you’re a garlic lover, sauté extra minced garlic in the butter.
Variations & Add-Ins
Make It Spicy 🔥
- Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Drizzle with hot honey or buffalo sauce before serving.
Make It Healthier 🌱
- Use Greek yogurt instead of butter for a lighter coating.
- Air-fry or bake instead of pan-frying.
Turn It Into a Meal 🍽
- Serve over buttery pasta or mashed potatoes.
- Toss into a Caesar salad or grain bowl.
- Stuff into a wrap with lettuce and ranch.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, but they may lose crispiness.
Freezing
- Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer before tossing in the garlic Parmesan butter.
FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add even more flavor.
Q: What’s the best dipping sauce for these chicken bites?
A: Ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or garlic aioli pair perfectly!
Q: How do I make these extra crispy?
A: Toss the chicken in panko breadcrumbs before cooking for a crunchier texture.
Q: Can I meal prep these chicken bites?
A: Yes! Cook them ahead and store in the fridge—just reheat before serving.
Q: Can I add breadcrumbs to the coating?
A: Yes! Tossing the chicken in panko + Parmesan before cooking gives extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are crispy, juicy, and packed with bold, cheesy garlic flavor. They’re perfect for snacking, meal prepping, or serving as a quick dinner—plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes!
Try them out and let me know how you like them! What’s your favorite way to serve chicken bites? Let’s chat in the comments! 🍗🧄🧀
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are crispy, tender, and bursting with savory flavors! Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these bites are coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce and topped with melty Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
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1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/4 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a little zing)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
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In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Coat the chicken cubes in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
2. Cook the Chicken Bites:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once hot, add the coated chicken bites in a single layer (do this in batches if necessary).
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Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
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In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1-2 minutes. If you’d like a touch of acidity, add lemon juice.
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Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
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Serve immediately, either as a snack, appetizer, or over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal!
Notes
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are full of flavor, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Perfect for any occasion and sure to be a hit with everyone!
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