Oven-Baked Cheesy Polenta Chicken Bites
Satisfy your cravings with these Oven-Baked Cheesy Polenta Chicken Bites! This delightful twist on classic chicken nuggets replaces the traditional breading with a savory mixture of polenta and finely grated parmesan cheese, perfect for achieving a crispy texture without gluten. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these bites are ideal for kids and adults alike, making them a versatile addition to any meal or snack time. Plus, they’re simple enough to get the little ones involved in the kitchen! Experiment with your favorite spices and seasonings to create a taste sensation that works for your family. Serve them with your choice of dipping sauce for an extra treat!
6
Servings
90
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
polenta
1/3 cup (cornmeal)
finely grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup
chicken breasts
2 (flatten slightly and cut into nugget-sized chunks)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
2
Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
3
Cut the flattened chicken into bite-sized nugget pieces.
4
In a medium bowl, mix together the polenta and finely grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
5
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the polenta mixture, ensuring each nugget is thoroughly coated for a crispy, cheesy exterior.
6
Arrange the coated chicken nuggets on the lined baking tray, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
8
Once cooked, allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite sauces or dips.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
6g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Oven-Baked Cheesy Polenta Chicken Bites?
These are a gluten-free twist on classic chicken nuggets that use a mixture of polenta and parmesan cheese for a crispy, cheesy exterior.
Are these chicken bites gluten-free?
Yes, they are gluten-free as they use polenta instead of traditional breadcrumbs for the coating.
How many ingredients do I need?
You only need three main ingredients: chicken breasts, polenta, and finely grated parmesan cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
How long do the chicken bites take to bake?
They typically bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
How can I make the chicken bites extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes after the initial baking time.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts?
Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin, then cut them into bite-sized nugget pieces.
What is the nutritional information per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 90 calories, 10g of protein, 3g of fat, and 6g of carbohydrates.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is highly kid-friendly and a great way to get children involved in the kitchen.
What should I use to line the baking tray?
Use parchment paper to line the tray for easy clean-up.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Finely grated parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Can I add other seasonings?
Yes, you can experiment with your favorite spices and seasonings in the polenta mixture.
How do I ensure even cooking?
Flattening the chicken to a uniform thickness and spacing the pieces apart on the tray ensures even cooking.
What is the coating made of?
The coating is a mixture of 1/3 cup polenta (cornmeal) and 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese.
Are these bites suitable for a snack?
Yes, they are versatile enough to be served as either a main meal or a healthy snack.
What should I serve these with?
They are best served with your choice of dipping sauces or favorite dips.
How do I coat the chicken pieces?
Simply dip each piece of chicken into the polenta and parmesan mixture until thoroughly coated.
Should I let them cool before serving?
Yes, allow the chicken bites to cool slightly after removing them from the oven.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, with 10g of protein per serving, it is a high-protein snack or meal option.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe data indicates there is no sugar added.
Is there any fiber in these bites?
The nutritional data does not list a significant amount of fiber for this recipe.
How much polenta is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of polenta.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 chicken breasts.
What is the primary category for this dish?
It is categorized as a baked chicken dish, often served as a snack or family dinner.
Can I use a rolling pin if I don't have a meat mallet?
Yes, a rolling pin works perfectly for flattening the chicken breasts.
What texture does the polenta provide?
The polenta provides a crispy and savory texture that mimics traditional breading.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Cholesterol information is not specifically provided, but chicken and parmesan do contain naturally occurring cholesterol.
Are the bites fried?
No, these bites are oven-baked for a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, with a short bake time of about 10 minutes, it is a very quick and easy meal.