Oven baked chicken bites are my go-to for quick meals or snacks that everyone in my family loves! They’re incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, making them irresistible. I remember the first time I made them; I was in a rush and just threw together some simple ingredients. To my surprise, they turned out so delicious that my kids devoured them in minutes! Now, they’re a staple in our home. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer for game day, these chicken bites are sure to impress. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these oven baked chicken bites truly spectacular! You’ll need 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, which ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Next, grab 1 cup of breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch. I love using 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to add a savory depth of flavor. To season things up, you’ll want 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and paprika for a delightful kick. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste! Finally, 1/4 cup of olive oil will help everything come together beautifully and keep those bites nice and juicy.
How to Prepare Oven Baked Chicken Bites
Getting these oven baked chicken bites ready is super simple, and I promise you’ll love the process! First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. While that’s heating up, let’s mix up our delicious coating. In a medium bowl, combine your breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s mixed well.
Now, it’s time to coat the chicken! In another bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the bite-sized chicken pieces, making sure they’re nicely coated. This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick and keep the chicken juicy. Next, take each chicken piece and dip it into your breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Finally, pop them in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and cooked through—just imagine that crispy exterior! Let them cool for a minute before serving, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, coat chicken pieces with olive oil.
- Dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange the coated chicken bites on a lined or greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying oven baked chicken bites, you’ll be pleased to know they’re not just delicious but also packed with good nutrition! Each serving, which is about 4 ounces, contains approximately 300 calories. You’ll also get around 15 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat. For protein lovers, these bites boast an impressive 25 grams of protein per serving, making them a great choice for a satisfying meal. With about 20 grams of carbohydrates and just 1 gram of sugar, they fit nicely into a balanced diet. Keep in mind that these values may vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use, but you can feel good about indulging in these tasty bites!
Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Chicken Bites
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these oven baked chicken bites! Here are just a few that keep me coming back for more:
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Made with healthy ingredients, so you can feel good about serving them.
- Perfectly tender and juicy, with a crispy coating that’s totally satisfying.
- Great for any occasion—snacks, meals, or even parties!
- Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters—trust me, they won’t last long!
- Easy to customize with your favorite spices or dipping sauces.
Tips for Success
To ensure your oven baked chicken bites turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to preheat your oven fully before baking; this helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior. When coating the chicken, don’t rush it—take your time to press the breadcrumb mixture onto each piece to ensure it sticks well. For even cooking, try to arrange the chicken bites in a single layer, giving them a little space to breathe. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last couple of minutes, but keep a close eye on them—things can go from golden to burnt in a flash! Enjoy your delicious creations!
Variations on Oven Baked Chicken Bites
One of the best things about these oven baked chicken bites is how easy it is to customize them to suit your taste! If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a flavor boost. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness. Want to switch it up even more? Use crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for a unique crunch, or try different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make them your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your oven baked chicken bites, the possibilities are endless for dipping sauces and side dishes! I love serving them with classic favorites like ranch dressing or honey mustard for a tangy kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy sriracha mayo or a zesty BBQ sauce to elevate the flavors even more. For a complete meal, pair these bites with a fresh side salad or some roasted veggies for a nutritious balance. You can also serve them with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges to satisfy those comfort food cravings. Trust me, you’ll want to try them all!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover oven baked chicken bites is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, you can also freeze them. Just make sure they’re completely cooled down before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. This way, you’ll keep that delicious taste and texture intact!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Bites or Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells. For nutritional information, you can refer to the Healthline article on chicken nutrition.
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Oven Baked Chicken Bites: 7 Irresistible Flavor Secrets
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Oven baked chicken bites are tender, juicy, and flavorful pieces of chicken, perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken pieces in olive oil.
- Dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- These can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: oven baked chicken bites
