Chicken Bites: The Simple and Tasty Recipe
If you are looking for a quick, easy and family-friendly recipe, chicken bites are the perfect choice. Made with chicken breast, these delicious crispy pieces can be served as a second course or as finger food during an aperitif. Today I will show you how to prepare light and tasty chicken bites, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients (for 4 people):
- 500g chicken breast
- 2 eggs
- 100 g of flour
- 150 g of breadcrumbs
- 50 g grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sweet or hot paprika (optional)
- Oil for frying (or olive oil for baking)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Procedure:
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Chicken Preparation: Start by taking the chicken breast and cutting it into cubes of about 2-3 cm. Try to keep all the pieces the same size, so that they cook evenly. If you prefer, you can marinate the pieces with a little lemon juice, salt and pepper for 15-20 minutes, so as to flavor them even more.
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Breadcrumb Preparation: Prepare three bowls: one for the flour, one for the eggs (which you will beat with a pinch of salt and pepper), and one for the breadcrumbs. To the breadcrumbs, add the grated parmesan and, if you like, a pinch of paprika for an extra touch of flavor.
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Breading the Chicken Bites: Take each piece of chicken and dip it first in the flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Make sure the pieces are well coated to get a crispy and tasty coating.
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Cooking:
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Frying: If you prefer fried bites, heat plenty of oil in a pan. The oil should be very hot (about 170°C). Fry the chicken bites for 4-5 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. When they are golden and crispy, drain them on absorbent paper to eliminate the excess oil.
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Baking: If you want a lighter version, you can bake the morsels in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C, arrange the morsels on a baking sheet covered with baking paper and brush them with a drizzle of olive oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking, until they are golden and crispy.
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Serving: Chicken nuggets are delicious served warm, perhaps accompanied by a sauce of your choice: mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce, or a fresh yogurt sauce are all great options. If you prefer a touch of freshness, squeeze a little lemon juice before serving.
Tips for Customizing Chicken Bites:
- Spice the Breadcrumbs: You can enrich the breadcrumbs with spices such as smoked paprika, curry, or aromatic herbs such as parsley and thyme to give more character to the dish.
- Gluten-free variant: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace the regular flour with rice or corn flour.
- Baked with extra crunch: For extra crunch even in the baked version, use panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
Chicken nuggets are a versatile recipe that is suitable for any occasion. Whether you choose to fry them for a more delicious version or bake them for a lighter variant, they will always be a success. Try them with different spices or accompany them with your favorite sauces for a dish that will conquer everyone at the first taste! Enjoy your meal!
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