Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken pieces tossed in garlic and freshly grated parmesan. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re crispy, cheesy, and perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken bites in a single layer, without overcrowding. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle half the parmesan over the chicken, toss to coat, then add the rest. Stir for another minute until cheese melts and coats the chicken.
- Remove pan from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and toss to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer chicken bites to a serving platter or bowl and serve hot.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before seasoning for best browning. Don’t overcrowd the pan for crispy edges. Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-shredded. For extra crispiness, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of recipe (approximately 4 oz cooked chicken bites)
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Protein: 32
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, chicken bites, easy dinner, weeknight meal, skillet chicken, kid friendly, gluten free, quick chicken recipe