Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites are a flavorful and versatile dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer. Tender chicken cubes are infused with garlic and Italian herbs, then cooked to juicy perfection. This recipe is simple but packed with robust, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for added moisture during cooking)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Mince the garlic cloves finely and set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Step 4: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Heat a pan over medium heat (or preheat your oven or air fryer). If desired, add chicken broth to the pan to keep the chicken moist while cooking.
- Step 6: Cook the chicken bites, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes for pan-frying. If baking, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Step 7: Once cooked, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot chicken and toss gently to melt.
- Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or over a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Storage
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
While marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness, if you’re short on time you can cook the chicken bites immediately after tossing with the seasoning, though the taste will be milder.
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Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites are a flavorful and juicy dish made by marinating tender chicken breast cubes in a savory blend of garlic, Italian herbs, paprika, and olive oil. These chicken bites are versatile and can be cooked via pan-frying, baking, or air frying, then finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a deliciously satisfying meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for added moisture during cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.
- Cut the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for uniform bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and quickly.
- Minced garlic: Finely mince the 4 garlic cloves to release maximum flavor in the marinade.
- Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly with the herb and garlic mixture.
- Refrigerate the chicken: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to permeate the meat. Marinating longer enhances the taste.
- Cook the chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method—pan-fry the chicken bites in a skillet until golden and cooked through, bake them in a preheated oven, or air fry until crisp and tender. Optionally, add the chicken broth during cooking for added moisture.
- Finish and garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot chicken bites and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Optionally squeeze lemon juice over to add a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken bites for at least 1 hour or overnight if time permits.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier alternative, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- If air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Pan-fry over medium-high heat with a little oil for about 7-10 minutes, turning frequently for even browning.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor—omit for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-20 minutes depending on cooking method
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: garlic chicken bites, herbed chicken, Italian herbs chicken, quick chicken recipe, bite-sized chicken, easy dinner, chicken appetizer
