Brace yourselves, food lovers, because we’re about to embark on a flavor explosion like no other! Get ready to transform your ordinary snack time into an epic culinary adventure with my Crispy Parmesan Herb Bites. These insanely delicious morsels are about to become the talk of the town, leaving your taste buds dancing with pure joy. Trust me, this recipe is not for the faint of heart – it’s an absolute MUST-TRY!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Parmesan Herb Bites
These Crispy Parmesan Herb Bites are the ultimate game-changer in the snack world. Imagine a perfect blend of crunchy, savory, and herby goodness – that’s exactly what you’re getting with this recipe. The combination of crispy panko breadcrumbs, tangy parmesan, and a burst of fresh herbs is enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it. These bites are not only incredibly delicious, but they’re also super easy to make, making them the perfect choice for quick weeknight dinners, cozy movie nights, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. Get ready to take your taste buds on a flavor-packed adventure!
Ingredients
The key to the incredible flavor in these Crispy Parmesan Herb Bites lies in the simple, yet powerful ingredients. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, a variety of chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, thyme, and rosemary), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. That’s it! With just a handful of staple ingredients, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s truly sensational.
- 1 lb (454g) – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (120g) – Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup (100g) – Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp (10g) – Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp each – Salt and black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fresh Herbs: Swap in your favorite fresh herbs or use a combination of what you have on hand.
- Parmesan Cheese: Try using another hard, aged cheese like asiago or romano if you’re not a fan of parmesan.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Herb Bites
Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Let’s do this!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Grab your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated parmesan, chopped fresh herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well-mixed.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Working in batches, dredge the chicken pieces in the panko-parmesan mixture, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides. Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the Crispy Parmesan Herb Bites are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute or two before serving. These little flavor bombs are best enjoyed warm, so dig in and savor every bite!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Citrus Twist: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with different herb combinations, such as basil and oregano, or even add a kick of heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Crispier Texture: For an even crispier texture, try lightly misting the bites with cooking spray or olive oil before baking.
- Parmesan Herb Perfection: This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it! We’re about to turn your kitchen into flavor paradise!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost. They’re also fantastic as a main dish, paired with a fresh salad or roasted veggies.
Storage: Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the coated chicken bites in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Reheat: Simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Parmesan Herb Bites are not only insanely delicious, but they’re also a relatively healthy option. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy!
- Serving Size: About 5-6 bites
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, as they are lean and cook quickly. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly richer flavor.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coated chicken bites in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. Just be sure to keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs will provide the most vibrant flavor, you can definitely use dried herbs in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the dried versions have a more concentrated flavor, so you’ll need to use about half the amount.
How do I get the breading extra crispy?
For the crispiest results, make sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly and thoroughly in the panko-parmesan mixture. You can also try lightly misting the bites with cooking spray or olive oil before baking. Additionally, be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the bites to steam instead of crisping up.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is a fantastic option for getting that irresistible crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the coated chicken bites in batches for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Try These Next
- Crispy Parmesan Herb Cauliflower Bites
- Cheesy Garlic Herb Dip With Crispy Bacon Bites
- Crispy Parmesan Herb Stuffed Mushrooms
Crispy Parmesan Herb Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Crispy Parmesan Herb Bites are a delightful appetizer, combining the rich flavors of parmesan cheese with fresh herbs for a crunchy, savory treat.
Ingredients
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the egg and mix until well combined.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and form into small balls.
5. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
These bites can be served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: appetizer, parmesan, bites, crispy