There is something so satisfying about biting into perfectly crispy chicken. That golden crust and juicy center make every bite worth it. These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are the kind of recipe you make once and immediately want to make again.
They are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken moist while the seasoned coating creates a deep golden crisp. The garlic parmesan sauce brings everything together with rich buttery flavor and real parmesan. If you love dipping sauces, try serving them with my Garlic Yogurt Sauce. The creamy texture and fresh garlic flavor pair perfectly with the crispy coating.
This recipe works for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings. Once you serve them hot and fresh, they will disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
- Extra crispy coating with a light, crunchy texture
- Juicy chicken thanks to the buttermilk marinade
- Bold garlic parmesan flavor in every bite
- Perfect for dinner, parties, or meal prep
- Easy ingredients you probably already have
Benefits of This Recipe
- Extra crispy texture
The coating turns golden and crunchy every time. - Juicy inside
The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender and moist. - Rich garlic parmesan flavor
The buttery garlic sauce with melted parmesan gives bold taste in every bite. - Easy to make
Simple steps and basic ingredients make this recipe stress free. - Perfect for any occasion
Great for dinner game night or serving guests. - Family friendly
Kids and adults both enjoy these crispy bites. - Customizable
You can add more garlic extra cheese or a little heat if you like.
Recipe Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1–1.5 lb |
| Marinade | |
| Buttermilk | ¾ cup |
| Pickle juice | ¼ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Crispy Coating | |
| All-purpose flour | 1½ cups |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Garlic Parmesan Sauce | |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 4–5 cloves |
| Grated parmesan | ¼ cup |
| Parsley | To taste |
| Italian seasoning | To taste |
| Mayonnaise | 1 tbsp |
Instructions :
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the top and make sure every piece is fully coated. This helps tenderize the meat and keeps it juicy after frying. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Seasoning
Add paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper and hot sauce to the bowl. Mix well so the seasoning spreads evenly through the marinade. This builds bold flavor inside every bite.
Step 3: Coat in Flour
Remove each piece from the marinade and place it into the seasoned flour mixture. Press firmly to create texture. Those small ridges will turn extra crispy when fried.
Step 4: Let the Coating Set
Arrange the coated chicken on a plate and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating stick better and prevents it from falling off in the oil.
Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Set it aside while you fry the chicken. The sauce adds balance and extra flavor.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil to 340 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the chicken in small batches. Cook until golden and crisp. Remove and let it rest briefly before serving.
Step 7: Prepare the Parmesan and Parsley
Grate fresh parmesan cheese and finely chop parsley. These simple ingredients bring freshness and rich flavor to the final garlic coating.
Step 8: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic. Cook briefly without browning. Turn off the heat and stir in parmesan and parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy. Toss the hot chicken in the sauce and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken
- Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the crust stick better.
- Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady.
- Keep the oil between 340 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the best texture.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for stronger flavor.
- Serve immediately after tossing in the garlic parmesan sauce for maximum crispiness.
Food Safety Note
Always ensure your air fryer reaches the proper temperature before cooking. Pizza cones should be cooked until the cheese is fully melted and the tortillas are golden and crisp. If using meat toppings such as ground beef or sausage, make sure they are fully cooked before filling the cones. For general food safety guidelines, visit the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service .
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and crispy. This keeps the coating firm and crunchy.
Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy texture. These crispy chicken bites pair perfectly with simple sides that balance the rich garlic parmesan flavor.
For a classic comfort meal, serve them with my Crispy Potato Long Fries. The golden fries and crunchy chicken create the perfect combo for dinner or game night.
If you want to build a full crispy chicken platter for guests, add Air Fryer Chicken Tenders or Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders to the table. It makes a fun and satisfying spread that everyone will enjoy.
For something more filling, pair these bites with One Pot Beef and Rice. It turns this dish into a hearty family style dinner that feels complete and comforting.
You can also serve them with a fresh green salad or a creamy dipping sauce to balance the crisp texture and bold flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I air fry these chicken bites instead of deep frying?
Yes. Lightly spray the coated chicken with oil and air fry at 375°F until golden and fully cooked. Flip halfway through for even crispiness.
Can I bake them in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 400°F on a wire rack until golden and cooked through. The texture will be slightly less crispy than frying but still delicious.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy. Cut them into bite size pieces before marinating.
How do I keep the chicken extra crispy?
Let the coated chicken rest before frying and cook in small batches. Place the fried pieces on a wire rack instead of paper towels so the crust stays crisp.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 135 mg |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on portion size and cooking method.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 lb chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Oil for frying
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place chicken in a bowl and cover with buttermilk and pickle juice. Add seasoning and mix well. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl combine flour and cornstarch.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture and press firmly to create texture.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat oil to 340 to 350°F and fry in batches until golden and fully cooked.
- Melt butter and cook garlic briefly. Stir in parmesan and parsley.
- Toss hot chicken in the garlic parmesan sauce and serve immediately.
Recipe Disclaimer
This recipe is provided for informational purposes only. Cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your air fryer model and kitchen equipment. Always use your best judgment when preparing food and ensure ingredients are cooked safely. Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the exact products used. For full details, please review our full disclaimer policy .
Krish Shrestha
I’m Krish Shrestha, the creator of Krivia Recipes. I share practical, ingredient-focused recipes made with simple ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions designed for real kitchens and everyday home cooking.
