Parmesan Chicken Bites made with chicken breast, butter, garlic, breadcrumbs, and parmesan. Crispy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

So, here’s the thing—I didn’t set out to make Parmesan Chicken Bites that night. Honestly, it was one of those long days where I felt like dinner needed to cook itself. I opened the fridge, stared blankly (you know the look), and spotted a lonely pack of chicken breasts and the last bit of parmesan I’d grated for pasta but forgot to use. And just like that, this idea started snowballing.

My kid was halfway through a tantrum about not wanting “boring” chicken again, and my brain whispered, what if they looked like nuggets… but better? Cheesy. Crispy. Golden. The kind of bites you sneak off the tray before anyone notices. I gave it a shot—and now I can’t not make them. They’ve become a repeat request. And let’s just say, the dinner battle that night? I won.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe?

These bites? They’re the kind of thing that disappear fast—like, blink and they’re gone. And not because they’re tiny. It’s the crunchy outside, the buttery middle, that warm parmesan glow in every bite. It’s comfort food with just a little flair, kind of like dressing up sweatpants with earrings.

Plus, they’re baked, not fried—so you don’t feel like you’ve deep-fried your entire kitchen (or your soul). They come together in one tray, no fancy tools required. They’re crowd-pleasers, kid-approved, and picky-eater-proof. Also, great dipped in literally anything. Ranch? Yes. Marinara? Absolutely. Leftover Alfredo? Don’t judge me.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s take a stroll through the ingredient list, shall we? Nothing fancy, just pantry staples doing their thing like they’re headlining the show.

Chicken breasts – I always go with boneless, skinless, and cut them nugget-style. It feels fun, and hey—tiny food just hits different.
Butter – Melted, golden magic. It helps the coating stick and makes every bite taste rich and, well, buttery.
Garlic powder – Adds a little warm kick without the vampire breath of fresh garlic. Unless you’re into that.
Parmesan cheese – Go grated, not shredded. You want those fine crumbs to hug the chicken like a cheese blanket.
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs – Built-in flavor. Thank you, pre-mixed seasoning gods.
Panko – Light and crispy. Adds that irresistible texture that makes your teeth do a happy little crunch-dance.

How To Make Parmesan Chicken Bites?

Step 1: The Chicken Chop:
Slice those chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces. No need for perfection—mine are never quite the same shape. 1×2 inches-ish works. You’re aiming for bite-sized and bake-friendly.

Step 2: Mix the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, toss together your panko, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan, and garlic powder. It smells amazing already, right? Like you accidentally created the crunchy topping of dreams.

Step 3: Butter Time:
Melt your butter in a second shallow bowl. This is the golden glue, folks. Dip each piece of chicken into the butter, giving it a full spa soak.

Step 4: Coat and Press:
Now dip each buttery chicken piece into the breadcrumb mix. Press it in. Really. Like it’s a job interview and this chicken wants the job. Coat every nook.

Step 5: Bake It Like You Mean It:
Lay all your coated chicken pieces out on a baking sheet. I use parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup’s a breeze. Bake at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes until they’re crispy and golden and smell like heaven.

Step 6: Steal One Before Serving:
You know you’re gonna. Just don’t burn your tongue (been there). Serve warm with your favorite dips—or honestly, straight off the tray like a goblin. No shame.

Storage Options:

Got leftovers? Okay wow, how? But if you do, here’s the plan:
Pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer if you want to keep that crunch alive. Avoid the microwave unless you’re okay with slightly soggier bites (still tasty though).

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Want to freeze? Sure! Freeze flat on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes. Easy.

Variations and Substitutions:

Ran out of something? Feeling spicy? Try these:

Swap chicken breasts for thighs – More flavor, juicier bites.
Make it spicy – Add chili powder, paprika, or cayenne to the breading.
Go gluten-free – Use GF breadcrumbs and panko. Still crisp. Still tasty.
Cheese remix – Try pecorino romano or asiago. Fancy? Yes. Delicious? Also yes.
Oil instead of butter – Use olive oil if you want—but butter’s the flavor king here.

What to Serve with Parmesan Chicken Bites?

Whether it’s a casual snack or part of dinner, these bites have besties:

Dips – Ranch, honey mustard, buffalo, spicy ketchup (yes, it’s a thing).
Sides – Think roasted potatoes, pasta salad, coleslaw, or just fries.
Party platter – Add to a charcuterie-style snack board. Instant hero.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Heck yes! 375°F for 12–15 minutes. Flip halfway if you want even golden vibes.

Can I prep them ahead of time?
Totally. Coat the chicken, store in the fridge, and bake when ready. You’ll look like you’ve got it all together—even if you don’t.

What’s the best dipping sauce?
Oooh. I vote ranch or garlic aioli. But hey, marinara’s always welcome. Or buffalo sauce, if you’re wild like that.

And there you have it—Parmesan Chicken Bites that are crispy, cheesy, and ridiculously hard to stop eating. Whether you’re making a double batch for game night or just whipping up a weeknight win, they’re always a hit.

So… what dip are you pairing with yours? I’m dying to know.

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Ham and Cheese Bites

Creamy Garlic Mushrooms And Bacon

The Perfect Side Dish – Southern Style Green Beans and Potatoes