Description
Succulent Cracker Chicken Bites deliver a crispy, golden-brown delight that elevates weeknight dinners with irresistible crunch. Guests will crave these perfectly seasoned morsels that bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dry Coating Ingredients:
- 1 sleeve (about 35) Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and warm the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for these crispy morsels.
- Crush the crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until they become a delicate, even texture.
- Create a sophisticated breading station by arranging three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with whisked eggs, and the third with the finely ground cracker crumbs.
- Carefully slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring each morsel is roughly the same size for consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
- Delicately coat each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess to maintain a light, even layer.
- Dip the floured chicken into the whisked eggs, allowing any surplus to drip away, creating a smooth, adhesive surface for the cracker coating.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken in the cracker crumbs, pressing gently to ensure a complete and crisp exterior that will transform into a golden, crunchy delight.
- Arrange the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to promote even air circulation and optimal browning.
- For oven method, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to guarantee uniform cooking and a perfectly crisp exterior.
- Alternatively, for air fryer enthusiasts, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket midway to ensure all-around golden crunchiness.
- Verify doneness by checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and exhibits a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Let the chicken bites rest for a few minutes after cooking, allowing the juices to redistribute and the coating to settle into a delectable crispness.
- Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce, transforming these crackling bites into an irresistible appetizer or main course.
Notes
- Crush crackers finely to create an extra crispy coating that adheres perfectly to the chicken pieces.
- Use chicken breast tenders or cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized chunks for consistent cooking and even cracker coverage.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives like rice crackers or crushed cornflakes to maintain the same crunchy texture.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the cracker mixture for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat in their chicken bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg