These parmesan panko chicken poppers are a delightful and crispy treat that make for a perfect appetizer or snack. The combination of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese creates a crunchy and flavorful coating that pairs wonderfully with tender chicken breast pieces. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these poppers are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese if you don't already have them. Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, providing a unique texture. Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for the best flavor.
Ingredients for Parmesan Panko Chicken Poppers
Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy coating and even cooking.
Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide a light and crispy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Grated to add a rich, savory flavor to the coating.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the coating mixture.
Paprika: Provides a mild, smoky flavor and a bit of color.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Eggs: Beaten to help the coating adhere to the chicken pieces.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your chicken poppers come out extra crispy, try toasting the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden brown before mixing them with the parmesan cheese and spices. This step adds an additional layer of crunch and flavor to the final dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is a lean protein similar to chicken breast and will provide a similar texture and flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a similar crunch and can be a gluten-free alternative.
Grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor profile, making it a good substitute.
Garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the dish.
Paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit of heat and a similar depth of flavor to the dish.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, which can still complement the dish.
Eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and add a slight tanginess.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Chicken Poppers
Cooling Down: Allow the chicken poppers to cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Refrigeration:
- Place the cooled chicken poppers in an airtight container.
- Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
- Arrange the cooled chicken poppers on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Freeze for 1-2 hours until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Transfer the frozen poppers to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- For refrigerated chicken poppers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the poppers on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- For frozen poppers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
Microwave Option (not recommended for best texture):
- Place chicken poppers on a microwave-safe plate.
- Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Note: This method may result in a less crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side of vegetable sticks like carrot and celery.
- Serve with dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.
Pro Tip: To maintain maximum crispiness, avoid covering the chicken poppers with foil or plastic wrap directly. Instead, use a vented container or leave a small gap for air circulation.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Parmesan Panko Chicken Poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. This method helps maintain the crunchiness of the panko breadcrumbs.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method is quick and keeps the poppers crispy.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the chicken poppers in the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through. This method adds a bit of extra crispiness to the panko coating.
Microwave Method: Place the chicken poppers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may make the panko coating less crispy, but it's the quickest option.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken poppers on the toaster oven tray and heat for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy. This method is great for small batches and maintains the crunchiness of the panko breadcrumbs.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the chicken poppers at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C) until they are golden and cooked through.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for placing the coated chicken pieces to ensure even baking.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Small bowl: Ideal for beating the eggs which will be used to dip the chicken pieces.
Knife: Essential for cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for cutting the chicken.
Tongs: Useful for dipping the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs and then into the panko mixture without making a mess.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent the chicken poppers from sticking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and measure out the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices the night before.
Use a baking rack: Place the chicken pieces on a baking rack set over a baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Double the batch: Make extra chicken poppers and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to minimize cleanup time.
Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven before you begin prepping to save time.
Parmesan Panko Chicken Poppers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat with the panko mixture.
- Place coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
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