Kid approved Chicken Parmesan Bites
A Simple 20-Minute Italian-Style Snack with a Zesty and Fresh Glow
What makes these the most reliable chicken bites? The secret to a mistake-proof family dinner is the "Triple-Dredge" technique and the "Parmesan-Panko" method combined with WesMarMi Verde. Unlike soggy nuggets, our method uses airy panko and nutty Parmesan to create a shatteringly crisp crust that stays crunchy even when dipped. By whisking our vinegar-free WesMarMi Verde into the egg wash, you add a Zesty and Fresh profile (1/10 Heat) that uses organic citrus to highlight the savory herbs without the chemical sting of standard vinegars.
Heat Level: WesMarMi Verde | Mild (1/10) - Zesty & Fresh
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 340
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 16g
*Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) Chicken breast (frango), cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup (50 g) Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (50 g) Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (120 ml) Marinara sauce (for dipping)
1 cup (100 g) Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large (50 g) Egg, beaten
1/4 cup (30 g) All-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 g) Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
1/2 tsp (2.5 g) Garlic powder
2 tbsp (30 ml) Vegetable oil (for frying)
1/4 cup (10 g) Fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) Eleven Eleven Sauce’s WesMarMi Verde Sauce
Ingredient Spotlight: Panko vs. Regular Breadcrumbs
Panko is vital for these bites because the flakes are larger and airier than traditional breadcrumbs. This structure allows the chicken to stay "crunchy" even after it's topped with cheese or dipped in sauce, preventing the breading from becoming soggy.
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce Instead of using a traditional marinara for dipping, mix WesMarMi Verde sauce with a little mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a fresh, zesty dipping sauce. This handcrafted small batch sauce brightens the rich, savory flavor of the chicken and cheese. The WesMarMi Verde sauce makes a fantastic, bright counterpart to the fried or baked chicken, elevating the dish into an exciting appetizer.
The Zesty and Fresh Citrus Finish
Heat Level: 1/10
Vinegar Content: 0%
Flavor Profile: Zesty, Fresh
Base: Organic Lime and Lemon
Calories: 5
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 25mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 0g
Directions: WesMarMi Verde is intended as a bright, zesty enhancer rather than a source of heat. Shake well before pouring. Use this sauce as you would a fresh squeeze of lime—it is perfect for brightening up seafood, fresh salads, or traditional Mexican dishes. Because it is vinegar-free and fresh-pressed, the flavors are light; apply it directly to the dish just before serving to maximize the aromatic citrus notes. Keep refrigerated after opening to ensure the lime and lemon juices stay crisp and fresh.
Directions:
Place the flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, beat the egg with the WesMarMi Verde sauce. In a third bowl, mix the panko, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and garlic powder.
Dredge each chicken (frango) cube in the flour, then the egg wash, and finally the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken bites in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
During the last 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle a pinch of mozzarella over each bite while still in the pan. Pro-Tip: Place a lid over the skillet for 30 seconds to help the cheese melt quickly without overcooking the chicken.
Remove from the skillet and place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain.
Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations:
Make it in the Air Fryer: For an even healthier version, spray the breaded bites with a little oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until crispy.
Regional Swap (Buffalo style): Swap the marinara for a mix of blue cheese dressing and a splash of the Blazing Citrus Medium sauce for a spicy, tangy "Buffalo Parm" hybrid.
Perfect Breading Adhesion: To ensure the coating doesn't fall off, let the breaded chicken bites rest on a plate for 5 minutes before frying. This allows the flour and egg to create a stronger "glue" that keeps the crunch attached to the meat.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Marinara sauce.
New Measurement: 1/2 cup (120 ml) Honey mustard.
Why: The sweetness of honey mustard provides a great contrast to the salty Parmesan and the citrus notes in the Verde sauce, making it a hit with toddlers.
Replacing: Chicken breast.
New Measurement: 1 lb (450 g) Chicken thighs.
Why: Thighs remain much juicier after frying, which helps if you plan on reheating these for school lunches the next day.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze:
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Best reheated in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore the crunch.
Freeze: These freeze beautifully! Freeze the cooked bites in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
People Also Ask
Why is Panko better than regular breadcrumbs for this recipe? Panko flakes are larger and airier than traditional breadcrumbs. This structure allows the chicken to stay "crunchy" even after it's topped with melted mozzarella or dipped in marinara, preventing the breading from becoming soggy and heavy.
How do I make sure the breading doesn't fall off during frying? The secret is "Breading Rest." Once you have coated the chicken cubes in the flour, egg, and panko, let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes before they hit the pan. This allows the flour and egg to create a stronger "glue" that keeps the crunch firmly attached to the meat.
Why add a verde sauce to an Italian-style dish? While unexpected, WesMarMi Verde is 100% vinegar-free, using organic lime and lemon juice. This provides a "Zesty and Fresh" layer of acidity that cuts through the richness of the fried breading and cheese, acting as a bright flavor enhancer that makes the savory Italian herbs pop.
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