High-Protein Baked Chicken Parmesan Bites
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Oven and Pan Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly spray the surface with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the chicken bites don’t stick and get extra crispy.
- Step 2: Create the Breading Station: In a small shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In a second shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well until the spices are evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Coat the Chicken Bites: Working in small batches, dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere to all sides. Place the coated bites onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Step 4: Bake until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the chicken bites to ensure even browning on both sides. The chicken should be cooked through and the outside should be golden and crisp.
- Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the tray from the oven. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce onto each chicken bite and top with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the tray to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.