Print

Healthy Sweet Chili Chicken Bites

Healthy Sweet Chili Chicken Bites - featured image
Print Recipe

These Healthy Sweet Chili Chicken Bites feature tender, marinated chicken coated in a crispy panko crust and finished with a sticky sweet chili glaze. Oven-baked for a lighter crunch, they’re perfect for snacks, parties, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (whole wheat if desired)
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cooking spray or olive oil
  • 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce (low-sugar variety recommended)
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional)
  • 2 tsp rice vinegar
  • Thinly sliced green onions (optional garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  3. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If using a wire rack, spray it lightly with oil and place on the sheet.
  4. In a shallow dish, mix panko, chili powder, and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Roll each piece in the panko mixture, pressing gently to coat.
  6. Place breaded chicken on the wire rack or lined baking sheet. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through if not using a rack, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and panko is golden brown.
  8. While chicken bakes, whisk together sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Warm in microwave for 20 seconds.
  9. As soon as chicken is done, brush each bite with sweet chili glaze. Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro if desired.
  10. Let bites rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to set the glaze and keep them crispy. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken in panko. Use a wire rack for best crispiness. Marinade is essential for juicy, flavorful bites. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free panko and tamari. For a spicy kick, add sriracha to the glaze. Air fryer method: cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet chili chicken, healthy chicken bites, crispy panko chicken, oven baked chicken, party snack, kid friendly, easy appetizer, Asian chicken, game day snack

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/healthy-sweet-chili-chicken-bites-recipe-easy-crispy-panko-snack/