Description
These Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Bites are a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish, featuring tender bite-sized chicken breasts filled with a flavorful blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then coated with crunchy breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or any cheese that melts well)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (or Romano cheese)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or specific herbs like oregano or basil)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Coating and Cooking
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or melted butter)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, ensuring a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Stuff Chicken Pieces: Take the bite-sized chicken pieces and gently fill each one with the cheese mixture. Press carefully to ensure the filling stays inside during baking, creating delicious cheesy pockets.
- Coat Chicken Bites: Roll each stuffed chicken piece in breadcrumbs until evenly coated on all sides. This coating will give a crispy texture after baking.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet and drizzle olive oil or melted butter over them to help achieve a golden, crispy crust while baking.
- Bake the Bites: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken bites on the baking sheet for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Once baked, let the chicken bites cool slightly before serving warm. They make an excellent appetizer or tasty main dish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme for a different flavor profile.
- To ensure the cheese mixture stays inside the chicken pieces, do not overfill them and press gently to seal.
- Serve with marinara sauce or a dipping sauce of your choice for added flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
