The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Bites: A Healthier Take on a Kid-Friendly Favorite

Name: Kiddo's Crispy Chicken Bites!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless chicken (skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg; 2 tbsp water; Olive oil (for drizzling)

Summary

There’s no denying the love kiddos have for chicken nuggets. But what if we told you there’s a way to make them healthier, more flavorful, and fun to cook together? Meet “The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Bites,” a recipe that takes an all-time favorite to the next level!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kid-Friendly: Perfectly sized for little hands to help make and eat.
Healthier Alternative: Baked, not fried, and made with whole wheat bread crumbs.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and pick your favorite dipping sauce.
Budget-Friendly: Estimated cost is around $8-$10 for 4 servings.

Ingredients Needed

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
2 tbsp water
Olive oil (for drizzling)

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Shallow dish
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Oven

How to Make The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Bites

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix & Season

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Egg Wash

Whisk Together: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg and water.

Step 4: Dip & Coat

Dip Chicken: One by one, dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
Roll in Breadcrumbs: Roll each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each nugget has a generous coating.

Step 5: Arrange & Drizzle

Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help them become golden and crispy.

Step 6: Bake

Bake Chicken: Pop them in the oven for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they’re golden and fully cooked.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Cool & Serve: Let them cool slightly, then serve with your kiddo’s favorite dipping sauce!

How Kids Can Help

Getting kids involved in the kitchen is a great way to make this recipe extra special:

Mixing & Seasoning: Let them mix the bread crumbs and seasoning together.
Dipping & Coating: Kids can dip the chicken pieces in the egg wash and roll them in breadcrumbs.
Arranging on the Sheet: Have them arrange the coated chicken bites on the baking sheet.
Serving: Let them serve the crispy bites with a selection of dipping sauces.

A Personal Story From a Reader: Making The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Bites with My Kids

There’s nothing quite like cooking with my two little helpers, Emma and Jack. Last Friday evening, we decided to tackle a fun and delicious project together: The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Bites. I had seen the sparkle in their eyes when I suggested making these nuggets, so I knew we were in for an adventure!

The Excitement Begins

After a long week at school, the kids were thrilled to help make one of their favorite meals.

“Are we making chicken nuggets, Mom?” Jack asked with excitement.

“We sure are, but these will be homemade and healthier!” I replied with a smile.

I gathered all the ingredients on the counter:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
2 tbsp water
Olive oil (for drizzling)

Mixing and Coating

Emma and Jack put on their aprons and stood on their stools, ready to dive into the project.

“Emma, can you help me mix the bread crumbs and spices?” I asked.

She eagerly nodded and carefully measured out the bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl. Jack added the Parmesan cheese and gave everything a good stir.

Meanwhile, I cracked an egg into a shallow dish and added a couple of tablespoons of water.

“Jack, you’re in charge of whisking the egg!” I said.

Jack took his whisking job seriously, mixing the egg wash with precision.

Dipping and Rolling

With the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture ready, we moved on to the dipping and coating process. I handed Jack and Emma each a piece of chicken.

“One at a time, dip the chicken into the egg wash, then roll it in the breadcrumbs,” I demonstrated.

Jack dipped his chicken in the egg wash and carefully rolled it in the breadcrumb mixture. Emma followed suit, making sure each piece was thoroughly coated. We placed the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

“Let’s make them extra crispy!” Emma said as she drizzled a little olive oil over the chicken bites.

Into the Oven

With all the chicken bites arranged neatly on the baking sheet, we popped them into the preheated oven at 400°F and set the timer for 20 minutes.

“Can we make dipping sauces while we wait?” Jack asked.

“Great idea! How about honey mustard and ketchup?” I suggested.

The kids were excited to help mix up a simple honey mustard sauce (equal parts honey and mustard) and placed a few ketchup packets on the table.

The Grand Feast

After 10 minutes, we flipped the chicken bites to ensure both sides would be crispy, then baked them for another 10 minutes.

Finally, the timer beeped, and we pulled out the golden, crispy bites.

“They look delicious!” Emma exclaimed.

We let the chicken bites cool for a few minutes before arranging them on a platter with honey mustard and ketchup on the side.

“Time to eat!” Jack called out.

Dinner Time Fun

We all sat down at the table, and the kids couldn’t wait to dig in.

“These are so good, Mom!” Jack said, dipping his nugget into the honey mustard.

“Better than the ones we usually buy!” Emma agreed, already reaching for her second helping.

It was a simple yet satisfying meal, and we had such a great time cooking together.

Final Thoughts

Making The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Bites with Emma and Jack was not just about creating a tasty dinner—it was about sharing the joy of cooking and making memories together. From the excitement of dipping and rolling to the pride of serving their creations, the kids were beaming with accomplishment. Here’s to many more crispy cooking adventures with my little chefs!

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy again.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

Chicken Alternatives:
- Turkey: Substitute chicken with turkey breast.
- Tofu or Cauliflower: For a vegetarian option.
Breadcrumbs:
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Panko: For extra crunch.
Parmesan Cheese Alternatives:
- Pecorino Romano: Offers a similar, yet distinct flavor.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free option.

Additions

Flavor Enhancements:
- Paprika or Cayenne: Add for a spicy kick.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle in parsley or thyme.
Dipping Sauces:
- Honey Mustard: Classic and tangy.
- BBQ Sauce: Smoky and sweet.
- Ranch Dressing: Kid-friendly favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the chicken bites, freeze them before baking, and then bake directly from frozen when ready.

Q: How do I ensure my chicken bites turn out crispy?
A: Drizzle with olive oil before baking, and make sure the bites are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Q: Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
A: Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Q: What sides go well with these chicken bites?
A: Try baked sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or steamed veggies.

Q: Are these chicken bites gluten-free?
A: They can be! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Reasons Why You Will Love This Recipe

Crispy & Flavorful: Each bite delivers the perfect crunch with a burst of flavor.
Healthier Version: Baked with whole wheat breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Fun for Kids: An engaging and interactive cooking project.
Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or snack time!

Final Thoughts

The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Bites are not just a recipe—they’re a family activity that brings joy to the kitchen and smiles to the dinner table. So, grab your kiddos, get them dipping and coating, and savor these crispy bites together with a selection of dipping sauces and laughter. Here’s to creating delicious moments and memories with every bite!

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