Description
Succulent oven baked chicken bites combine crispy exterior with juicy tender meat for an irresistible appetizer. Seasoned breadcrumbs and simple herbs elevate this quick protein that makes you crave more with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Ignite the oven to a searing 400F (200C), lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease coating to prevent chicken adherence.
- Seasoning Transformation: Massage chicken pieces with olive oil, creating a flavor symphony using salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Ensure each morsel is thoroughly and uniformly coated with the aromatic blend.
- Roasting Technique: Spread seasoned chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, maximizing crisp potential. Roast in the heated oven for 15-18 minutes, rotating midway through cooking. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) and exterior achieves a golden-brown hue.
- Finishing Flourish: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle freshly grated parmesan across the hot chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve piping hot with a complementary dipping sauce to elevate the culinary experience.
Notes
- Manage Moisture: Pat chicken bites dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of roasting.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Space chicken pieces evenly on baking sheet to ensure each bite browns perfectly and cooks uniformly.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F for food safety, avoiding dry or undercooked meat.
- Customize Seasoning: Experiment with spice blends like Italian, Cajun, or Mediterranean to transform flavor profile without changing core technique.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 577 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg