Chicken Parmesan Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes everything you love about chicken Parmesan — crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese — and transforms it into easy-to-eat bites. They’re quick to make, baked or air-fried for a lighter option, and perfect for dipping or serving on toothpicks. Whether you’re hosting game night or just want a fun twist on dinner, these bites are always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil spray (for baking or air frying)
• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Set up a breading station with three bowls:
   • Flour in the first
   • Beaten eggs in the second
   • A mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan in the third
4. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip into egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick.
5. Place breaded chicken on a lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes or air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
7. Spoon a little marinara over each piece and top with a sprinkle of mozzarella.
8. Return to the oven or air fryer for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
9. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mix or use spicy marinara.
• Cheese-Stuffed: Tuck a small cube of mozzarella inside each chicken piece before breading.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Skewered Bites: Thread cooked bites onto small skewers for party platters.
• Low-Carb Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake or air fry at 350°F until heated through and crispy again.
Microwaving is possible but may soften the coating.
Freezing is not recommended after adding sauce and cheese, but plain breaded bites can be frozen before baking.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

It’s best to use raw chicken so it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Pre-cooked chicken may dry out.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake and top with sauce and cheese just before serving.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or a mozzarella-Parmesan blend also works well.

Can I use chicken tenders?

Yes, just cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Marinara is classic, but you can also serve with garlic aioli, ranch, or pesto.

How do I keep the coating crispy?

Make sure the chicken is dry before breading, and spray lightly with oil before cooking. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer basket.

Can I make these in a skillet?

Yes, shallow fry in hot oil (about ¼ inch deep) for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Are these good for kids?

Absolutely! They’re cheesy, crispy, and great finger food for kids of all ages.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use dairy-free Parmesan and mozzarella alternatives, or skip the cheese topping altogether.

Can I serve these as a main dish?

Yes! Serve with pasta, salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Bites are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic Italian favorite. With a crispy coating, gooey cheese, and tangy marinara, they deliver big comfort in a small package. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or dinner, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

Chicken Parmesan Bites

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Chicken Parmesan Bites are crispy, cheesy, bite-sized versions of the classic Italian favorite. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, baked or air-fried until golden, and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, they’re perfect for snacking, parties, or family dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer or Main
• Method: Baked or Air Fried
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil spray
• 3/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan in a third.
4. Dredge chicken in flour, then dip into egg, and coat with breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to help coating stick.
5. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes or air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
7. Spoon marinara over each bite and top with mozzarella cheese. Return to oven or air fryer for 2–3 minutes to melt cheese.
8. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Use panko for extra crunch or spicy marinara for a kick.
• These bites are great for meal prep — bread ahead and bake when ready.
• Serve with extra marinara or ranch for dipping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 130mg