Hey there, pals! I’m thrilled to share one of my new favorite recipes: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites. These little bites of heaven are not only bursting with flavor but are also healthy and easy to make. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even as a party appetizer that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Flavorful Ingredients:
Let’s talk about what makes these chicken bites so delicious. The combination of minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a hint of paprika creates a symphony of flavors that coat each bite of tender chicken. And here’s a secret ingredient: a touch of chicken stock! It not only adds depth to the dish but also helps keep the chicken moist.
Cooking Method:
The process is straightforward. After coating the chicken pieces with the flavorful mix, a quick sear in a skillet gives them a nice golden-brown exterior. Then, into the oven they go to finish cooking while absorbing the savory essence of the reduced chicken stock.
Tips and Tricks:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken moist and tender, avoid overcooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Add a touch more Parmesan for extra cheesiness or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Prevent Stickiness: Use parchment paper or lightly grease your baking sheet to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Selecting the Perfect Skillet:
The skillet you use can significantly impact the outcome of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites. Opting for the right skillet ensures even cooking and that delightful golden-brown crust we all love.
Non-Stick Skillet: Using a non-stick skillet is a fantastic choice for this recipe. It requires less oil for cooking the chicken bites and helps prevent them from sticking to the pan. Plus, the easy cleanup afterward is always a win!
Cast Iron Skillet: Another excellent option is a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. These skillets offer fantastic heat retention and distribution, resulting in that perfect sear on the chicken bites. If properly seasoned and maintained, they can become your go-to for various recipes.
Stainless Steel Skillet: A good quality stainless steel skillet with a heavy bottom can also work well. Just ensure it’s preheated adequately before adding the chicken to get that nice sear.
Pro Tips for Skillet Success:
- Preheat the Skillet: Always preheat your skillet before adding the chicken. This ensures an even cooking surface and helps achieve that golden crust.
- Avoid Crowding: It’s tempting to pile up all the chicken pieces in the skillet, but overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than searing. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to allow enough space between the pieces.
- Watch the Heat: Cooking over medium-high heat is usually ideal for achieving a beautiful sear without burning the coating.
Meal Prepping and Serving:
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are meal-prep friendly! Prepare a batch in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They make a fantastic addition to salads, wraps, or pasta dishes.
Dive In!
That’s about it for these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites! Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a post gym kitchen session, these bites are sure to be a win. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me – I love seeing your kitchen masterpieces!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 2 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned.
- Transfer the browned chicken bites to the prepared baking sheet.
- Pour the chicken stock into the skillet used to cook the chicken. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and let the stock simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly.
- Drizzle the reduced chicken stock over the chicken bites on the baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, remove the chicken bites from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
