Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Bites

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Dive into a guilt-free indulgence with our Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Bites. These bites are the perfect blend of crispy goodness and tender chicken without the extra calories from frying. Perfect for a family dinner, a healthy snack, or even a party appetizer, these bites will satisfy your cravings in the healthiest way possible.

Let’s say goodbye to the fryer and hello to a deliciously crispy oven-baked treat!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Protein: 26 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 0.5 g
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg
• Sodium: 340 mg

Ingredients

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 large egg
• Cooking spray (for coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, and parsley. Mix well.
3. In another shallow dish, whisk together the almond milk and egg until fully combined.
4. Dip each chicken piece into the almond milk mixture, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Once all chicken bites are on the baking sheet, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them brown.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is golden and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of chicken is used for chicken nuggets?

In my experience, chicken nuggets are typically made from boneless, skinless chicken breast meat. This cut of chicken is preferred for its lean and tender texture, which is well-suited for forming into nugget shapes and cooking quickly.

Chicken breast is mild in flavor and has a soft, smooth consistency when ground or processed into nugget form. The meat is often seasoned, breaded, and then fried or baked to create the crispy exterior that is characteristic of chicken nuggets. While chicken breast is commonly used, some variations of chicken nuggets may also incorporate a blend of white and dark meat for added flavor and juiciness.

Overall, the choice of using chicken breast ensures that chicken nuggets are lean and versatile, appealing to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?

In my experience, yes, you can put raw chicken in an air fryer. Air fryers are designed to cook food quickly using circulating hot air, similar to a convection oven. When cooking raw chicken in an air fryer, it’s important to follow a few key steps to ensure safe and delicious results.

First, ensure that the chicken pieces are of even size and thickness for uniform cooking. Season the raw chicken with your desired seasonings or marinade to enhance flavor. Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature specified in your recipe.

Then, arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the chicken according to the recommended time and temperature, flipping halfway through the cooking process for even browning.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches a safe minimum of 165°F (74°C) for poultry. Cooking raw chicken in an air fryer can result in juicy and crispy chicken pieces with less oil compared to traditional frying methods, making it a convenient and healthier cooking option.

A Must-Have Kitchen Utensil For This Meal

An cooking utensil that would be helpful in making oven-baked chicken bites is a cast iron skillet. While the recipe provided is for baking, a cast iron skillet could offer a few advantages:

1. Even Heating: Cast iron provides very even heat and is excellent for browning or crisping food, which would be great for giving the chicken bites a crunchy exterior before finishing them in the oven.
2. Oven-Safe: Cast iron skillets can go from stovetop to oven with no problem, so you could start the cooking process on the stove for a quick sear and then move the skillet into the oven to finish cooking the chicken through.
3. Durability: These skillets are known for their durability and can last for generations if properly maintained.
4. Non-Stick Qualities: When well-seasoned, a cast iron skillet has non-stick properties which would reduce the need for cooking spray when preparing the chicken bites.

To use a cast iron skillet for the recipe:

• After coating the chicken bites, heat the skillet over medium heat, add the chicken pieces, and cook for a few minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
• Then, transfer the skillet into the preheated oven to finish cooking the chicken bites through.

This method adds an extra layer of texture to the chicken bites and can enhance the flavor through caramelization that occurs during searing. However, it is an additional step beyond the simplicity of the original oven-baked recipe.

Related Recipes

• Healthy Poached Chicken
• All our Chicken and Poultry Recipes
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Wrap-Up

These Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Bites are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to the traditional fried chicken. Serve them with a side of mixed greens or a dipping sauce like Greek yogurt ranch for an added flavor boost. They’re sure to be a hit with both the kids and adults alike. Enjoy your tasty and nutritious meal!