Oven Baked Chicken Bites
These Oven Baked Chicken Bites are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a healthier alternative to fried chicken without sacrificing taste or texture.
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Shallow Dish
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt for marinating
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder optional for a bit of heat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs use panko for extra crunch
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Cooking spray for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle in the olive oil or melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. This will help the coating crisp up nicely in the oven.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Bites
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. One by one, roll each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well. Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure to leave some space between the pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken Bites
- Lightly spray the chicken bites with cooking spray to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through to ensure they crisp evenly on all sides. The chicken bites should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the chicken bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo. These bites pair wonderfully with a side of fresh veggies or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Notes
For extra juicy chicken bites, don’t skip the yogurt marinade. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to promote even cooking and crispiness. Flip the bites halfway through baking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Variations include spicy buffalo, herb-infused, gluten-free, cheesy, Asian-inspired, and sweet & smoky flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.