Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites are a flavorful and versatile dish perfect for quick meals or snacks. Tender chicken pieces are marinated with fragrant herbs and garlic, then cooked to golden perfection. Whether baked, pan-seared, or air-fried, these bites deliver a delicious punch every time.

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

1. Step 1: Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to marinate.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
5. Step 5: Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of chicken broth if the pan appears dry to maintain moisture.
6. Step 6: Alternatively, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the marinated chicken evenly on the sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
7. Step 7: For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
8. Step 8: Remove the cooked chicken from heat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, squeeze lemon juice over the top if using, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
9. Step 9: Serve warm as an appetizer, main dish, salad topper, taco filling, or snack.

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
• Try swapping Parmesan cheese for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance brightness just before eating.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to retain moisture. For best texture, consider reheating in an air fryer or oven to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

While the chicken can be cooked without marinating, allowing it to marinate enhances flavor and tenderness significantly.

Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites are tender, juicy chicken cubes marinated with fragrant garlic, Italian herbs, and paprika, then cooked to golden perfection. This versatile dish can be baked, pan-seared, or air-fried, making it perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course addition. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, these flavorful bites are sure to please any palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 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

Optional Ingredients

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (for added moisture during cooking)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
4. Cook the Chicken in the Skillet: Add the marinated chicken cubes in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Let the chicken cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of chicken broth if the pan starts to dry out to maintain moisture.
5. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
6. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken bites onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Preheat the Air Fryer: While the chicken bakes, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
8. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to air fry in batches. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, reaching 165°F (74°C) internally.
9. Finish and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the heat source. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken while it’s hot so it melts slightly. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top if desired for added brightness and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
10. Serve: Enjoy your Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites as a delicious appetizer, main dish, salad topper, taco filling, or a savory snack.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor but is not necessary if short on time.
• Using chicken broth during skillet cooking helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
• The internal temperature of the chicken should always reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• You can choose to cook the chicken either by baking, pan-searing, or air frying; each method yields delicious results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: garlic herbed chicken bites, Italian chicken bites, easy chicken appetizer, air fryer chicken bites, baked chicken bites