Cheesy Chicken Bites

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Cheesy Chicken Bites

Description

Cheesy Chicken Bites are crispy, juicy, and irresistibly cheesy little nuggets of comfort food! Each bite features tender chicken coated in a flavorful breading and filled or topped with melty cheese — perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun main dish for kids and adults alike. Whether baked or fried, these bites are always a crowd-pleaser and pair beautifully with sauces like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

  • Cooking spray or oil (for frying or baking)

Optional Dipping Sauces:

  • Ranch dressing

  • Marinara sauce

  • Honey mustard

  • Garlic aioli

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:
Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Add Cheese:
Take a small piece of cheese and press it into the center of each chicken cube. Press the chicken around it to seal.

3. Coat the Chicken:

  • Dredge each piece in flour, shake off the excess.

  • Dip into beaten eggs.

  • Roll in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.

4. Cook the Bites:
Option A – Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Place coated chicken bites on a parchment-lined baking tray.

  • Spray lightly with cooking oil.

  • Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

Option B – Fry:

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  • Fry bites for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

  • Drain on paper towels.

5. Serve:
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken mixed with cheese and shaped into balls for a shortcut version.

  • For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the egg mixture.

  • Panko breadcrumbs make them extra crunchy.

  • These bites freeze beautifully — reheat in an air fryer or oven.

Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; it keeps them crispy.

  • Use small cubes of cheese to prevent leakage during cooking.

  • If baking, flip halfway through for even browning.

  • Try different cheese varieties — mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for spice.

Servings

  • Makes about 20 bites (serves 4–5 people).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 280

  • Protein: 28g

  • Fat: 12g

  • Carbohydrates: 14g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sodium: 420mg

  • Sugar: 1g

(Values are approximate and vary by cooking method.)

Health Benefits

  • High in protein: Supports muscle repair and energy.

  • Calcium from cheese: Good for bones and teeth.

  • Customizable: Can be baked for a lower-fat version.

  • Kid-friendly: A healthier, homemade alternative to frozen nuggets.

Q & A

Q1: Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Q2: Can I use ground chicken instead of cubes?
Absolutely. Mix ground chicken with cheese, form small balls, bread, and cook the same way.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Q4: What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella is perfect for melty texture, while cheddar adds a sharp flavor.

Q5: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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