Parmesan Chicken Bites deliver a perfect blend of juicy ground chicken enveloped in a crispy, golden Parmesan crust. These tender bites are enhanced by a flavorful mix of fresh herbs and spices, baked to perfection, and topped with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that elevates comfort food to a new level.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, pairing wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes or a smooth cauliflower purée. The combination of textures and savory flavors makes it a meal that satisfies and delights everyone at the table.
- Juicy and tender chicken bites with a crispy Parmesan exterior.
- Rich creamy cheese sauce that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
- Quick and easy to prepare for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken (1 lb): Provides moist, lean protein as the base for tender, flavorful chicken bites.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binding agent to hold the chicken mixture together firm but tender.
- Panko breadcrumbs (¾ cup): Adds a light, crunchy texture ensuring the bites have a satisfying crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Imparts a savory, nutty flavor and helps crisp the exterior delightfully.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Introduces fragrant, aromatic depth for a deliciously savory profile.
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (2 tbsp): Adds a fresh herbal note brightening the overall flavor.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Gives subtle sweetness and complexity enhancing the meat mixture.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Offers mild smokiness and appealing color to the bites.
- Salt (¾ tsp): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds warmth and a balanced mild heat.
- Butter (3 tbsp): Forms the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and silkiness.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the creamy Parmesan sauce smoothly without lumps.
- Milk or half-and-half (1½ cups): Adds creaminess and helps create a luscious sauce consistency.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melts into the sauce for extra cheesy indulgence.
- Pinch of nutmeg: Delivers subtle warmth enhancing the creamy sauce’s flavor.
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish: Provides color contrast and a fresh herbal aroma.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents the bites from sticking while cooking evenly.
- Combine Ingredients for Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing just until combined keeps the meat tender and moist rather than dense or tough.
- Shape and Bake Chicken Bites
Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Baking ensures even cooking with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which thickens the sauce. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Broil Chicken Bites with Sauce
Transfer the baked chicken bites to a baking dish, pour the creamy cheese sauce over them, and broil for 3–5 minutes. This melts and browns the cheese topping, creating a luscious, bubbly finish that enhances flavor and presentation.
- Serve Warm with Mashed Potatoes
Plate the Parmesan chicken bites over fluffy mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for color and a bright herbal touch.
- Do not overmix the chicken mixture to maintain tender bites without becoming dense.
- If the mixture feels sticky or hard to shape, chill it for 10 minutes to firm up.
- The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated with a splash of milk for convenience.
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken to vary the flavor or use leaner meat.
Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken bites and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions
These Parmesan chicken bites pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, cauliflower purée, or roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans also complement the rich, cheesy flavors well.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in both the chicken mixture and sauce.
- To ensure even cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broiling the chicken bites with sauce at the end adds a delightful golden crust and bubbly texture.
FAQs
- Can I make these chicken bites gluten-free?
Yes, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the sauce.
- What can I substitute for ground chicken?
Ground turkey is a great substitute; you may also try ground pork or a mix of ground meats for variety.
- Can I freeze the chicken bites?
Yes, freeze the cooked chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
- How do I avoid the chicken bites becoming dry?
Handle the mixture gently and avoid overbaking. The creamy sauce helps keep the bites moist upon serving.
- What is the best way to reheat leftover chicken bites?
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave gently. Add sauce after reheating to maintain texture.
- Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Absolutely, store-bought mashed potatoes save time and make this dish quick to prepare while still delicious.
Easy Parmesan Chicken Bites
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- 1 saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée for serving
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, gently mix ground chicken, egg, panko, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake chicken bites for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through and golden on top.
- While chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until sauce is creamy.
- Transfer baked chicken bites to a baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over them.
- Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until sauce is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Serve warm over mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture for tender bites.
- Chill mixture 10 minutes if shaping is sticky.
- Sauce can be made ahead and reheated with milk.
- Substitute ground turkey if preferred.
