Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These crispy baked chicken bites are a game-changer. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer, or even a kid-friendly lunchbox addition, these little nuggets of flavor are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Say goodbye to greasy fried chicken and hello to a guilt-free, incredibly tasty meal that's ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: your favorite dipping sauce (BBQ, honey mustard, ranch)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss until evenly coated.
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Egg Wash: In a separate shallow dish, beat the egg. Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg, ensuring it's fully coated.
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Panko Coating: Place the panko bread crumbs in another shallow dish. Roll each egg-coated chicken piece in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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Bake to Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the panko is golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even browning.
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Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra delicious treat.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Bites:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Overcrowding will prevent the chicken from crisping up properly. Bake in batches if necessary.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Get creative with seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even a blend of your favorite spices would work wonderfully.
- Add some crunch: For extra crunch, you can add some finely grated Parmesan cheese to the panko breadcrumbs.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Bites: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Chicken Bites: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the chicken bites before baking.
- Sweet and Savory Chicken Bites: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup after baking for a sweet and savory combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your chicken bites and the type of dipping sauce used. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings) is:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
These easy family recipes chicken bites are a fantastic addition to any meal plan. They are a quick dinner idea, healthy meals, and delicious dishes that everyone will love. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cooking with this versatile recipe!