Short Description
Cracker Chicken Bites are crispy, golden-brown, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful cracker crust. These easy-to-make bites are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a quick dinner. With a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super crispy texture without deep frying
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for parties, game nights, or quick meals
- Can be baked or air-fried for a healthier option
- Family-friendly and great for picky eaters
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or tenders
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Eggs
- Milk
- Crackers (such as Ritz or saltines), crushed
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil
Directions
- Prepare the chicken – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Prepare the coating – In one bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In another bowl, mix the crushed crackers and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Coat the chicken – Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it with the cracker crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake or air-fry –
- Oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated chicken bites on a lined baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Air fryer method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve – Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra heat.
- Cheesy Flavor: Use cheddar-flavored crackers for a bolder taste.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers instead of regular ones.
- Herb-Infused: Add dried herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor.
- Panko Coating: Mix crackers with panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked coated chicken bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
How do I crush the crackers easily?
Place the crackers in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat the chicken bites and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, and spicy mayo are all great choices.
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Absolutely! Try using buttery crackers, cheese crackers, or whole wheat crackers for different flavors.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Press the cracker crumbs firmly onto the chicken, and let the coated pieces sit for a few minutes before cooking. Spraying with a little oil also helps.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use dairy-free milk in the egg mixture.
What’s the best way to keep them crispy after baking?
Serve immediately or place them on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent steaming and sogginess.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the crispy texture and mild flavor, making this a great family-friendly meal.
Can I cook them in a skillet?
Yes, pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
Conclusion
Cracker Chicken Bites are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you bake, air-fry, or pan-fry them, they deliver a satisfying crunch and juicy tenderness. Try different variations and dipping sauces to make them your own. Enjoy!
PrintCracker Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crunchy, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in seasoned cracker crumbs and baked or fried to golden perfection. A perfect snack, party appetizer, or kid-friendly meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray or oil (if frying)
For dipping (optional):
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
Instructions
Prepare the coating:
Crush crackers into fine crumbs and place in a shallow bowl.
Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Prepare the batter:
In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
Place the flour in a separate shallow bowl.
Coat the chicken:
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into the buttermilk mixture, then coat with the crushed cracker crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook the chicken:
Baking method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place chicken bites on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Lightly spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
Frying method:
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken bites in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve:
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Notes
You can use any type of buttery crackers, like Club or Saltines, for a slightly different flavor.
For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg wash and cracker coating steps.
To make it spicy, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the cracker mix
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