Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites transform simple boneless chicken breasts into crispy flavorful nuggets that are perfect for any meal or gathering. Using a blend of pantry-friendly seasonings like garlic powder and smoked paprika mixed with Parmesan the chicken stays juicy inside with a golden brown outside. This recipe is my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly or when my family asks for something tasty and quick.

Every time I make these chicken bites I feel like I am giving my family a treat without all the fuss. Once I made double for a game night and not a single bite was left on the platter.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose ones that are firm and pink for the juiciest results
• Olive oil: adds flavor and moistness try to use extra virgin if possible
• Garlic powder: gives a warm savory note and saves chopping time look for a fine ground texture
• Smoked paprika: deepens flavor and adds a lovely red hue choose Spanish-style if available
• Salt: essential for seasoning enhances every other flavor use sea salt for best taste
• Pepper: a must for a gentle heat freshly cracked balances the dish
• Grated Parmesan cheese: provides a savory richness use real Parmesan not pre-shredded for best melt
• Honey: brings gentle sweetness to balance the seasonings go for a golden honey
• Low sodium soy sauce: keeps the dip from being too salty and lets the honey shine through

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure your chicken does not stick and browns evenly.

Cut and Season the Chicken:

Chop the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Season all over with salt and pepper so every piece has flavor in every bite.

Make the Seasoning Paste:

In a bowl combine olive oil garlic powder smoked paprika and grated Parmesan. Mix into a thick paste that will cling to each piece of chicken.

Coat the Chicken:

Roll the chicken pieces in the paste until fully coated. This step gets your hands messy but helps every piece crisp up with deep flavor in the oven.

Bake to Perfection:

Arrange chicken in a single layer in the baking dish. Bake for twenty to twenty-five minutes turning once halfway through if you want both sides deeply golden. The chicken is ready when it is richly colored and reaches an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit or seventy four degrees Celsius.

Mix the Dipping Sauce:

While the chicken bakes stir together honey and soy sauce for a quick dip. This sweet salty sauce lifts up each bite.

Serve Warm:

Pile the golden chicken bites on a platter and drizzle some sauce over or serve it alongside for dunking.

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I love the magic that happens with smoked paprika in this dish. The first time I made it my little one called these the best chicken nuggets ever and now it is a weekly request.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them crispy reheat in a hot oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of Parmesan try Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or even nutritional yeast for a dairy free twist. No smoked paprika You can use regular paprika with a pinch of chipotle powder for that smoky depth. For chicken thighs instead of breasts bake a few extra minutes until thoroughly cooked.

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Serving Suggestions

These chicken bites are fantastic on their own or paired with rice or roasted vegetables for a quick dinner. For a party skewer a few onto toothpicks and serve with a variety of dips like ranch spicy mayo or cool yogurt sauce.

Cultural Notes

This oven-baked style of chicken nods to homemade comfort food across many cultures where oven roasting keeps things light and easy. Adding Parmesan is a little Italian touch while the honey soy dip brings a fun twist reminiscent of simple Asian-inspired sauces.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for these bites?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for tender, evenly-cooked bites. Chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.

→ How do I achieve a golden, crispy exterior without frying?

Baking at a high temperature and using a Parmesan, olive oil, and paprika coating creates a flavorful, crisp crust without oil splatters.

→ Can I prepare the chicken bites ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and coat the chicken pieces a few hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for the best texture.

→ Is there a substitute for honey in the dipping sauce?

Maple syrup or agave can be used instead of honey to maintain sweetness with a slightly different flavor note.

→ How do I know when the chicken bites are fully cooked?

Bites are done when golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Juices should run clear if pierced with a fork.