Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are an absolute revelation! If you’re searching for that perfect appetizer, a crowd-pleasing snack, or even a satisfying weeknight meal that feels delightfully indulgent without being overly complicated, you’ve found it. These crispy, golden nuggets of chicken are coated in a rich, savory, and utterly irresistible sauce that’s a harmonious blend of sharp Parmesan cheese and pungent garlic. It’s no wonder why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites have become a go-to for so many; they hit all the right notes – a satisfying crunch, a burst of umami, and a comforting, familiar flavor profile that makes everyone smile. What truly sets these apart is the perfect balance achieved in the sauce, ensuring each bite is infused with cheesy goodness and that unmistakable garlicky punch, creating a flavor experience that’s simply addictive.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preparing the Chicken
Seasoning the Chicken
The first step to achieving delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites is to properly season your chicken. Take your bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast and place them in a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder evenly over the chicken pieces. Next, add the 1 teaspoon of salt, ensuring it’s distributed well. Finally, season with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Using your hands, gently toss the chicken to coat each piece thoroughly with the seasonings. This ensures that every bite will be bursting with flavor. For best results, let the seasoned chicken sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature while you prepare your other ingredients. This allows the seasonings to meld and penetrate the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
Searing the Chicken Bites
Now it’s time to cook our chicken. Melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know the butter is hot enough when it’s melted and starts to shimmer slightly. Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, which will result in less desirable texture and color. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You should aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate.
Creating the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
With the chicken cooked, we can now create the flavorful sauce that makes these bites so irresistible. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it taste bitter. Once the garlic is fragrant, stir in the 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the Parmesan cheese is melted and forms a smooth, creamy sauce. This process should only take another minute or two. The heat from the pan will help emulsify the butter and cheese into a luscious sauce.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Now for the exciting part – bringin extractg it all together! Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the delicious sauce. This final step ensures that every morsel of chicken is infused with that wonderful garlic and Parmesan flavor. The sauce will thicken slightly as it coats the chicken. If the sauce seems a little too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to loosen it up, but usually, it’s the perfect consistency.
Garnishing and Serving
To elevate the presentation and add a fresh element, stir in the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. The bright green parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a lovely herbaceous note that complements the rich garlic and Parmesan. Give everything one final gentle toss to distribute the parsley throughout the chicken bites. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites immediately. They are fantastic as an appetizer, a main course served with a side of pasta or salad, or even as a delicious addition to a charcuterie board. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a little more freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in!
Conclusion:
And there you have it – perfectly golden, irresistibly flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites! We hope you enjoyed this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated in a rich garlic and Parmesan crust, delivering a punch of savory goodness with every chew. They’re incredibly versatile and make a fantastic appetizer for game nights, a fun addition to a weeknight dinner, or even a delicious protein boost for salads.
For serving suggestions, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are divine on their own with a side of your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard. You can also toss them into a Caesar salad for an elevated touch, serve them over a bed of pasta, or even pile them into slider buns for mini chicken parmesan sandwiches. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breading. You can also swap out the Parmesan for a sharp cheddar or Gruyere for a different cheesy profile. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own – happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites:
Can I make these ahead of time?
While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken bites up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for a few hours. Bake them just before serving for optimal crispness. Reheating leftovers is also possible, though they may lose some of their initial crispiness.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully for this recipe. Thighs tend to be a bit more forgiving and can stay moister, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Can I air fry these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites?
Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic alternative for achieving a crispy exterior. Follow the baking instructions, but cook in a preheated air fryer at around 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites- Easy & Flavorful
Quick and easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites, perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. Crispy chicken coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
-
Step 1
Season the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature. -
Step 2
Sear the chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. -
Step 3
Make the sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn. -
Step 4
Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and a smooth, creamy sauce forms. This should take 1-2 minutes. -
Step 5
Combine chicken and sauce: Return cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Toss gently to coat each piece in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through and thicken the sauce slightly. -
Step 6
Finish and serve: Stir in chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.