Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites! This recipe has quickly become a weeknight favorite in our house. They’re super simple to make, which is a blessing when cooking dinner after a long day. Plus, my husband can’t get enough of them—they’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and oh-so-flavorful! We often enjoy them while lounging on the couch, catching up on our favorite shows, and our cat even tries to sneak a few bites from time to time!
These chicken bites are perfect for both adults and kids. They’re a great finger food option for family gatherings or game nights, and honestly, they disappear in seconds! All you need are a few basic ingredients and some spices you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, if you’re looking for something to dip them in, try serving them with a simple honey mustard or BBQ sauce. I’m excited for you to try this recipe; I just know you’ll love it!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites
- Juicy, tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust
- Flavored with a delightful mix of garlic, onion, paprika, and Italian seasoning
- Quick and straightforward preparation method—great for weeknight dinners
- Versatile: perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish
- Can be made healthier with whole wheat breadcrumbs or air frying
- Easy to customize: switch up the dip or add your favorite spices
- Pairs perfectly with ranch dressing for a classic flavor combination
These chicken bites are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor—happiness for your taste buds and your waistline!
How to Make Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites
These Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites are a fantastic option for a quick snack, party appetizer, or even a fun family dinner! They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and are begging to be dipped in your favorite sauce—what’s not to love?
What You’ll Need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 1 pound (about 450g), cut into bite-sized pieces. I love using free-range chicken for its juicy flavor!
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup, seasoned with spices for coating.
- Eggs – 2 large, beaten until well mixed. They help the breadcrumbs stick!
- Breadcrumbs – 1 cup, preferably seasoned for an extra flavor boost.
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon, because garlic makes everything better!
- Onion powder – 1 teaspoon, adding a mellow sweetness.
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon, for a touch of smokiness and color.
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon, it gives a herby fragrance!
- Salt and black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, to taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, optional, but adds a lovely savory touch.
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup for drizzling. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its vibrant flavor.
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish—adds some freshness!
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well!
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re well combined and set aside.
- In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). This will give your chicken bites a delicious crust.
- Take each chicken piece and dip it into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the top to help them get crispy.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken bakes, whip up the dip: mix ranch dressing with fresh parsley in a small bowl.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with the ranch dip on the side.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy oven-baked chicken bites! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and moisture to the bites. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No worries! If you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, cornflakes, or even panko for a crunchier texture. Just adjust the amount to ensure the chicken pieces are well-coated, and season them with spices for extra flavor!
Can I Make These Chicken Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken bites up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate them for several hours or overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping them in the oven for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps keep them crispy!
