Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
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Cut the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches each).
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Set up dredging stations:
- In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
3. Cook the Chicken:
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Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
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Cook the chicken: Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and cooked through on the inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the melted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
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Toss the chicken: Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat.
5. Serve:
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Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
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Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite side, like a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
Optional Add-ins and Tips:
- Add heat: If you like a little spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the garlic butter sauce for a kick.
- Side suggestion: Pair these chicken bites with a tangy dipping sauce, like ranch or honey mustard.
- Make it a meal: You can toss the chicken bites with pasta and extra garlic butter sauce for a hearty dinner.
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and flavorful. They make an excellent appetizer, a dinner main dish, or a game-day snack. Enjoy!