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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Preheat the Air Fryer: While the chicken bakes, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
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.
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.
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