Description

Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breast cubes marinated in garlic, Italian herbs, and paprika, then cooked to perfection by skillet, oven, or air fryer. Finished with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, these versatile bites are perfect as appetizers, main courses, or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Finishing Ingredients

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Optional Cooking Liquid

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 with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Mince the garlic finely to release its full flavor.
Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
Cook in Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the pan seems dry during cooking, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
Air Fryer Preparation: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Air Fry the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Finish and Garnish: Remove the chicken from heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot chicken pieces. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the bites for a bright contrast and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve: Enjoy the garlic herbed chicken bites as a tasty appetizer, a main course with sides, a flavorful salad topping, a taco filling, or a satisfying snack.

Notes

You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours ahead to deepen the flavors.
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can omit it or substitute with grated Romano or Asiago cheese.
Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Adjust the seasoning to taste; add more paprika for smoky flavor or extra garlic for pungency.
For a lower fat version, use cooking spray instead of olive oil when pan-frying or air frying.
If you prefer a gluten-free version, ensure the chicken broth and any seasonings used are gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course / Appetizer
Method: Marinating, Pan Frying, Baking, Air Frying
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approx. 6 oz chicken bites)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 0.5 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: garlic chicken bites, herbed chicken, easy chicken recipe, air fryer chicken, Italian herb chicken, Parmesan chicken bites