Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken Bites
Indulge in these Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken Bites, a simple yet delightful dish that's perfect for gatherings or a quick family meal. These bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in fragrant garlic and fresh herbs, then coated in a crunchy matzo meal for an extra dimension of flavor and texture. Ideal for Passover or any occasion, they offer a satisfying crunch and delightful taste that everyone will love. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad for a complete meal that's sure to please.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
matzo meal (or breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are of similar size for even cooking.
2
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined.
3
Place the cut chicken pieces in a shallow dish and pour the olive oil mixture over them. Ensure that all pieces are coated evenly.
4
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
5
After marinating, drain the chicken pieces and set aside.
6
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
7
In another bowl, mix the matzo meal (or breadcrumbs) with cayenne pepper, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
8
Take each piece of chicken and coat it thoroughly in the matzo meal/cayenne mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
9
Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil at the end of the cooking time.
11
Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken Bites?
These are bite-sized pieces of chicken breast marinated in garlic and olive oil, then coated in seasoned matzo meal and baked until crunchy.
How long does it take to cook these chicken bites?
The chicken bites should be baked for approximately 10 to 12 minutes at 475°F (245°C) until golden brown.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of matzo meal?
Yes, breadcrumbs can be used as a direct substitute for matzo meal if you are not preparing this dish specifically for Passover.
Is this recipe suitable for Passover?
Yes, by using matzo meal as the coating, this recipe is designed to be Passover-friendly.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor infusion, marinate the chicken in the olive oil and garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 475°F (245°C) to ensure the chicken gets a crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, minced garlic cloves, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
The recipe already includes 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the coating for a subtle kick, but you can increase this amount for more heat.
How do I ensure the chicken is crispy?
Using a high oven temperature and briefly broiling the chicken at the end of the cooking time will provide extra crispiness.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should either line the cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the chicken bites from sticking.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken breasts should be cut into bite-sized pieces of similar size to ensure even cooking throughout the batch.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time than breasts.
How should I serve these chicken bites?
They are best served warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe healthy?
This recipe is considered a healthier alternative to deep-fried nuggets as it is baked and uses olive oil.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
You can cut and marinate the chicken in advance, but it is best to coat and bake them just before serving to maintain the crunch.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, matzo meal, and cayenne pepper.
What is the best way to coat the chicken?
Place the seasoned matzo meal in a bowl, add the drained chicken pieces, and press gently to ensure the coating adheres well to each piece.
Can I air fry these chicken bites?
Yes, you can air fry them at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for a very crispy result.
Should I drain the chicken after marinating?
Yes, draining the excess oil before coating helps the matzo meal stick better without becoming too soggy.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
While fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, you can substitute with garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
Are these chicken bites kid-friendly?
Yes, these are a crowd favorite for children; you can simply omit the cayenne pepper if they prefer a milder taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat the chicken bites?
To keep them crispy, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, rather than using a microwave.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken bites?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.
What if I don't have olive oil?
Any neutral cooking oil, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil, will work as a substitute.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use multiple baking sheets so the chicken remains in a single layer and isn't overcrowded.
What type of salt should I use?
A standard table salt or fine sea salt works best to ensure it distributes evenly in the marinade.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating is golden brown and firm.
Can I use this recipe for chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use whole chicken tenders instead of bite-sized pieces; just increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
It is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor and a very mild warmth that complements the garlic.