If you’re searching for a snackable, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the golden crunch of your favorite chicken but with loads more homemade love, Chicken Bites are about to become your new best friend. Tender cubes of chicken get soaked in buttermilk, then triple-coated for an irresistibly crisp outside and a juicy, flavorful inside. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun family dinner, or simply satisfying a crispy craving, these Chicken Bites check all the right boxes for comfort and convenience with zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can transform into something seriously addictive. Each one is essential for building flavor, moisture, and that signature crunchy coating every Chicken Bite deserves.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for the perfect bite-sized morsels that cook evenly every time.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes and flavors the chicken, ensuring every bite stays juicy inside.
- Garlic powder: Adds plenty of punchy, savory depth to both the marinade and crispy coating.
- Onion powder: Lends a sweet, mellow sharpness that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Paprika: Gives a warm, subtle smokiness (and a touch of color) for appetizing bites.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the tastes together and making the flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and balance, enhancing all the savory notes.
- All-purpose flour: The first step for a crisp coating and perfect adhesion.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Deliver an extra-crunchy finish that’s lighter than classic breadcrumbs.
- Eggs: Help bind the crumb coating for maximum crispiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, salty element and makes the golden crust even better.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the final dish visually and with a fresh herbal note.
- Oil for frying or baking spray: Makes sure your Chicken Bites turn irresistibly crispy, whether fried or baked.
How to Make Chicken Bites
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces in a large bowl and covering them with rich, tangy buttermilk. The acid in the buttermilk works magic to tenderize the chicken, and this little rest in the fridge (30 minutes minimum, going up to 4 hours if you have time) guarantees juicy, flavorful Chicken Bites. If you’re prepping for a party, you can even do this step in advance!
Step 2: Prepare the Coatings
Set up your breading station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a seasoned base layer. In a second bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In a third bowl, beat your eggs to a smooth consistency. This three-step coating routine is where the magic happens, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Dredge, Dip, and Coat
Take each marinated chicken cube from the buttermilk bath and roll it first in the seasoned flour, tapping off the excess. Next, give it a quick dip in the beaten eggs. Finally, tumble it in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently so the crunchy coating sticks like a dream. Lay them out on a tray as you go, ready for their time to shine.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Bites
Time for that golden finish! For fried Chicken Bites, heat two inches of oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F and work in batches, frying pieces for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp, golden, and cooked through. Prefer baking? Preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment, arrange the bites, mist them well with baking spray, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Both methods deliver a wonderfully crispy shell and juicy interior.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Pile up your Chicken Bites while they’re still piping hot, then shower them with bright, fresh parsley. Serve up with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”.
How to Serve Chicken Bites
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, adding a burst of color and freshness to your Chicken Bites. For extra flair, add a squeeze of lemon, a dusting of smoked paprika, or a tiny flurry of extra Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
Chicken Bites are endlessly versatile: make them the star next to crispy fries, a bowl of tangy coleslaw, or a refreshing garden salad. For party time, set out a platter with an array of dipping sauces—think ranch, honey mustard, buffalo, or sweet chili—and let everyone build their own perfect bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Chicken Bites into a build-your-own slider station with mini buns and fun fixings, toss them in a signature sauce for flavor-packed party skewers, or top a mac and cheese bowl for the world’s most comforting combo. You can also layer them into wraps or tacos—everyone loves a surprise crunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any Chicken Bites left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll keep their flavor and most of their crunch, especially if you reheat them the right way.
Freezing
Chicken Bites freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then spread them in a single layer on a tray to freeze. Once solid, pop them into a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and make speedy snacks or kid-approved lunches.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Chicken Bites in a hot oven (around 375°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Skip the microwave if you can—it’ll sap their crunch—but if you do use it, just know they’ll still taste delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs lend extra moisture and richness, and you’ll still get deliciously juicy Chicken Bites. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time since thigh meat is a bit denser.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Just substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and choose gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Every other ingredient stays the same, so everyone can dive in without worry!
What’s the best dipping sauce for Chicken Bites?
Classic ranch, zesty honey mustard, or spicy buffalo sauce are all top contenders, but honestly, Chicken Bites play well with just about anything—from barbecue to garlic aioli. Set out a few choices and let your crew get creative.
Can I air fry Chicken Bites?
Yes! An air fryer is a fantastic way to make them extra crisp without deep frying. Arrange in a single layer, spray with oil, and cook at 390°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Are Chicken Bites good for meal prep?
They’re fantastic for meal prep. Make a batch or two ahead, then pack into lunchboxes with veggies and dip, or reheat for quick dinners and snacks during the week.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Bites are comfort food that truly makes everyone happy—from the first golden crunch to the last tender morsel. They’re fun, snackable, and endlessly adaptable, so go ahead and try them for yourself. I promise, they’ll become a regular favorite around your table!
Print
Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus marinating
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These crispy and flavorful chicken bites are perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Coated in a savory blend of seasonings and breadcrumbs, they are fried to golden perfection or baked for a healthier option.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Oil for frying or baking spray for oven method
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for tender, juicy bites.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg, and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- To Fry: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F and fry chicken bites in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F, place chicken bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- These chicken bites are versatile and can be served with various sauces for different flavors.
- Consider tossing them in buffalo sauce, honey garlic glaze, or barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 6–7 bites
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
