Description
Crispy, flavorful baked chicken bites with a spicy kick! Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Easy to make and customizable to your spice preference.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Cubes: Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Whisk together. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly.
- Let it Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours or overnight for best flavor).
- Combine Dry Ingredients (Breadcrumb Coating): In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add Olive Oil (Breadcrumb Coating): Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture.
- Mix Well (Breadcrumb Coating): Mix until evenly combined and slightly moistened.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge chicken cubes in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place breaded chicken bites on the baking sheet in a single layer, without overcrowding.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Optional Broiling: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Combine Ingredients (Dipping Sauce): In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice.
- Whisk Together (Dipping Sauce): Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Adjust to Taste (Dipping Sauce): Adjust the amount of sriracha, honey, or lime juice to your liking.
- Chill (Optional): Cover and refrigerate the dipping sauce until ready to serve.
- Let Cool Slightly: Let the chicken bites cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the spicy baked chicken bites immediately while they are still warm and crispy.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the chicken bites with the optional dipping sauce on the side.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper in marinade and breadcrumb coating to control spice.
- Cheese: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Herbs: Experiment with Italian seasoning, chili powder, or cumin.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Dipping Sauce Variations: Try ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or marinara.
- Make Ahead: Prepare marinade and breadcrumb coating ahead of time.
- Leftovers: Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes