Crispy Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites

Crispy Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites are little golden nuggets of crunchy goodness packed with cheesy flavor and fresh herbs. The outside gets perfectly crispy thanks to a mix of Parmesan…

By Riley • December 7, 2025 • Reading time: 7 min

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Crispy Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites are little golden nuggets of crunchy goodness packed with cheesy flavor and fresh herbs. The outside gets perfectly crispy thanks to a mix of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, while the chicken inside stays juicy and tender. These bites are a tasty twist on classic chicken, with a delicious herb kick that makes each piece extra flavorful.

I love making these chicken bites for when I want a simple snack or an easy dinner that feels special. The best part is how the Parmesan melts into the crunchy coating, giving just the right amount of cheesiness without being too heavy. I usually toss the herbs in with the breadcrumb mix—using things like parsley and thyme—to give them a fresh, vibrant taste that wakes up your taste buds.

My favorite way to serve these bites is with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping and a crisp green salad on the side. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or just enjoying all to yourself. Whenever I make these, everyone asks for more because they’re just that good and so easy to pop in your mouth. These crispy bites definitely make mealtime a little more fun and a lot more delicious!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I like using chicken breasts for their lean quality, but thighs work great if you prefer juicier bites. They’re forgiving and stay tender during cooking.

Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light, extra-crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work but expect a denser crust. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a crunchy twist.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan boosts flavor and helps the coating brown nicely. If you can’t find Parmesan, Romano cheese is a good substitute with a similar sharpness.

Herbs & Spices: Fresh parsley brightens the bites, while dried Italian herbs add classic flavor. Feel free to swap herbs based on what you have, like basil or thyme, or add a pinch of paprika for mild heat.

Egg & Flour: The flour and egg dip help the coating stick firmly to the chicken. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

How Do You Get Crispy, Evenly Cooked Chicken Bites?

Getting that perfect crispy crust while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked can be tricky. Here’s how I manage it:

• Pat the chicken dry before breading so the coating sticks better and doesn’t get soggy.
• Use three separate bowls for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture to keep each step clean and effective.
• When coating, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a thicker crust.
• If frying, keep the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to avoid burning outside while undercooking inside.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches to keep the temperature steady and crispy.
• If baking, use a wire rack on the baking sheet. This lets air circulate around the bites for even crisping.
• Turn the bites halfway through baking to brown all sides evenly.
• Let the bites rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps juices locked in and the crust stays crisp.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowls – perfect for setting up separate stations for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coating.
• Sharp chef’s knife – helps you cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Cast iron skillet or non-stick frying pan – great for frying the chicken bites evenly with a crispy crust.
• Baking sheet and wire rack – if baking, this keeps bites crispy by allowing air to circulate below them.
• Tongs – useful for flipping chicken bites safely without breaking the coating.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap chicken with turkey breast pieces for a leaner, milder flavor that still crisps well.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix if you like a little heat.
• Mix shredded mozzarella into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra cheesy and melty coating.
• Stir in finely chopped fresh basil or rosemary instead of parsley to change the herb profile and add a fragrant note.

Crispy Parmesan Herb Chicken Bites

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Cooking oil for frying or spray oil if baking

How Much Time Will You Need?

You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes prepping and breading the chicken bites. Cooking time will vary depending on your method: frying takes around 6-8 minutes total, while baking takes about 15-20 minutes. Overall, plan for 25-30 minutes from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Get Ready to Cook

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. Or, if frying, heat enough oil in a skillet over medium heat for shallow frying.

2. Prepare Your Dipping Stations

Start by mixing the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken Bites

Take each chicken piece and coat it in the flour mixture, shake off any extra. Then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully covered.

4. Cook the Chicken

For Frying: Heat oil in your skillet until hot but not smoking. Fry the chicken bites in batches, turning them occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

For Baking: Place the breaded chicken bites on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.

5. Finish & Serve

Let the chicken bites rest a few minutes once cooked. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for a tasty garnish. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Bites?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before cutting and breading it. Pat the pieces dry to remove excess moisture for a crispier coating.

Can I Bake Instead of Fry the Chicken Bites?

Absolutely! Baking is a great healthier alternative. Arrange bites on a wire rack over a baking sheet if possible, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help restore the crispy texture instead of microwaving.

What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, Romano cheese is a good substitute with a similar sharp flavor. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the cheese.