Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe
There’s a certain magic that happens when you combine golden, pan-fried chicken with the deeply savoury punch of garlic and salty Parmesan. It’s one of those flavour pairings that feels both indulgent and wonderfully straightforward. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites recipe is something I’ve been perfecting in my kitchen for a while. This was inspired by a dish I had at a little family-run trattoria in Tuscany, though I’ve tweaked it over time to create something that’s easy to pull together on a busy weeknight.
What makes these chicken bites so special is the texture. We’re not just tossing chicken in a sauce; we’re creating a light, crispy coating that clings to each piece, ensuring every single bite is packed with flavour. The chicken stays incredibly juicy on the inside while the outside gets a gorgeous golden-brown crust. The final toss in a buttery, fresh garlic and parsley sauce elevates the whole dish, making it glossy and irresistible.
This is the kind of meal that works for almost any occasion. It’s speedy enough for a Tuesday night when you’re short on time, but it also feels special enough to serve when you have friends over for a casual dinner. My kids adore them, and they always get compliments when I make them for a gathering.
Recipe Overview
This recipe delivers tender chunks of chicken breast with a crisp, savoury coating of Parmesan cheese and seasonings, all brought together in a light garlic butter sauce. You can expect a rich, umami flavour from the cheese, a gentle warmth from the garlic, and a fresh lift from the parsley. After testing this recipe five times, I finally got it just right; the secret is getting a good sear on the chicken before adding the final butter sauce, which keeps the coating from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe
- Genuine Flavour: The combination of nutty, aged Parmesan and sharp garlic creates a deeply savoury crust on each piece of chicken, while the fresh parsley adds a vibrant, clean finish.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From start to finish, this entire meal comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a fantastic option for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flexible Recipe: This method works beautifully with other proteins. Try it with turkey breast chunks, firm tofu, or even king prawns (just adjust the cooking time). You can also add a pinch of red chilli flakes to the coating for a bit of warmth.
- Great for Various Occasions: These chicken bites are wonderfully versatile. Serve them with pasta or potatoes for a main meal, or with cocktail sticks as an appetiser for a party. They’re also brilliant piled into a wrap with some salad for lunch.
- Family Tested: This is one of those rare dishes that everyone in my house agrees on. It’s savoury and satisfying, and even my fussiest eater always clears their plate when these are on the menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the best results, try to use good quality ingredients, especially the Parmesan. I always buy a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it myself. The pre-grated versions often have anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly and browning nicely.
- 600g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-3 cm cubes
- 60g plain flour
- 50g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 40g unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Kira’s Tip: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! While you could use dried, the vibrant flavour of fresh parsley really cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese, balancing the whole dish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe
The process for making these chicken bites is straightforward. We create a flavourful coating, pan-fry the chicken until golden, and then finish it with a simple but delicious garlic butter sauce right in the same pan.
- Prepare the Chicken and Coating: Pat the cubed chicken pieces completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step for getting a crispy coating. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the plain flour, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the dry chicken pieces to the flour mixture. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is evenly and generously coated. Gently press the coating onto the chicken to help it adhere.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large frying pan over a medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to get hot – it should shimmer slightly.
- Cook the Chicken (First Sear): Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot pan in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, so cook in two batches if necessary. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, until the bottom is a deep golden brown.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken pieces over and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F). You can check the official FSA guidelines for safely cooking chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate for a moment.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the same pan. Once it has melted, add the minced fresh garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken bites to the pan. Add the freshly chopped parsley and the optional lemon juice. Toss everything together for about a minute until the chicken is coated in the glossy garlic butter sauce. What works best for me is to use a spatula to gently fold everything together to avoid knocking off the crispy coating.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the garlic Parmesan chicken bites straight away while they are hot and at their crispiest.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Temperature Control: Keep your pan at a steady medium-high heat. If the heat is too high, the Parmesan in the coating can burn before the chicken is cooked through. If it’s too low, the chicken will steam and the coating won’t get crispy.
- The Secret Step: I learned that letting the chicken sit for a few minutes after coating helps the flour mixture hydrate and stick better during cooking. Just 5 minutes on the side makes a noticeable difference to the crust.
- Make-Ahead: You can cube the chicken and prepare the dry coating mix in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just coat and fry.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend using an air fryer for 3-4 minutes or a dry frying pan over a medium heat to help restore some of the crispiness. Microwaving will make them soft.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large frying pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Two medium mixing bowls
- Tongs or a spatula
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s fun to experiment with a few variations to make it your own.
- Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon of red chilli flakes to the flour and Parmesan mixture for a gentle, warming heat that builds with each bite.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs to the coating mixture for a more Mediterranean feel.
- Different Protein: This recipe is fantastic with other quick-cooking proteins. If you enjoy this bite-sized meal format, you should also try my Steak Bites With Garlic Butter Recipe, which uses a similar pan-searing technique.
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe
These chicken bites are wonderfully versatile and pair well with so many different sides. Here are a few of our family’s favourites:
- Crispy Potatoes: The buttery garlic sauce is crying out for something to soak it up. A generous serving of my Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes Side is an absolutely perfect match.
- Simple Pasta: Toss the chicken bites with some freshly cooked spaghetti or linguine, adding a splash of the pasta water to the pan to create a light sauce.
- Steamed Greens: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans provides a fresh, healthy contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Drink Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon works well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Chicken and Coating: Pat the cubed chicken pieces completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step for getting a crispy coating. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the plain flour, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the dry chicken pieces to the flour mixture. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is evenly and generously coated. Gently press the coating onto the chicken to help it adhere.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large frying pan over a medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to get hot – it should shimmer slightly.
- Cook the Chicken (First Sear): Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot pan in a single layer. It's important not to overcrowd the pan, so cook in two batches if necessary. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, until the bottom is a deep golden brown.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken pieces over and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F). You can check the official FSA guidelines for safely cooking chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate for a moment.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the same pan. Once it has melted, add the minced fresh garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until it's fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken bites to the pan. Add the freshly chopped parsley and the optional lemon juice. Toss everything together for about a minute until the chicken is coated in the glossy garlic butter sauce. What works best for me is to use a spatula to gently fold everything together to avoid knocking off the crispy coating.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the garlic Parmesan chicken bites straight away while they are hot and at their crispiest.
Notes
I really hope you enjoy making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites recipe. It’s a true favourite in our home, and I love how something so flavourful can come together so quickly. It’s a testament to how a few well-chosen ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. If you try it, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! I always love hearing from you. From my kitchen to yours, Kira.
