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

Scale

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