🍋🧄 Crispy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

🥩 Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1½-inch chunks

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 tbsp milk

For the lemon garlic glaze:

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp honey (optional, balances acidity)

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

🔥 Cooking Methods

🥇 Air Fryer Method (Crispiest, Less Oil)

1️⃣ Preheat to 400°F (200°C)
2️⃣ Mix flour + Parmesan in a bowl.
3️⃣ Whisk egg + milk in another bowl.
4️⃣ Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika.
5️⃣ Dip chicken in egg → then flour/Parmesan mixture.
6️⃣ Spray lightly with oil.
7️⃣ Air fry 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
(Internal temp 165°F / 74°C)

🥈 Pan-Fry Method (Extra Golden)

• Heat ¼ inch oil in skillet over medium-high.

• Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

• Drain on rack.

🍋 Lemon Garlic Finish

1️⃣ Melt butter in small pan.
2️⃣ Add garlic, cook 30 seconds (don’t brown).
3️⃣ Stir in lemon juice, zest, honey.
4️⃣ Toss cooked chicken in glaze.
5️⃣ Sprinkle parsley + extra Parmesan.

🍽 Serve With:

• Rice or orzo

• Roasted potatoes

• Caesar salad

• As party skewers with toothpicks

❓ Q&A (Perfect Bite Control)

❓ Why isn’t my coating crispy?

✔ Chicken wasn’t dry before breading
✔ Air fryer overcrowded
✔ Didn’t spray lightly with oil

❓ Why did the coating fall off?

Press coating firmly onto chicken.
Let breaded pieces sit 5–10 minutes before cooking.

❓ Too dry?

Cook time too long OR pieces too small.
Thigh meat stays juicier than breast.

❓ Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes:

• Use almond flour or GF flour

• Or crushed pork rinds for keto

❓ Can I bake instead?

Yes:

• 425°F (220°C)

• 15–18 minutes

• Broil last 2 minutes for color

❓ Can I make it spicy?

Add:

• ½ tsp cayenne

• 1 tbsp hot honey

• Red pepper flakes to glaze

❓ Can I meal prep this?

Yes — store 3–4 days refrigerated.
Reheat in air fryer 3–4 minutes to re-crisp.

❓ Can I make it without Parmesan?

Yes, but Parmesan adds crisp + flavor.
Substitute with:

• Pecorino

• Nutritional yeast (dairy-free)