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Crispy Chicken Parmesan Bites with Marinara Penne

Introduction:

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Bites with Marinara Penne is a playful and delicious twist on the beloved Chicken Parmesan. Instead of the traditional large breaded chicken cutlets, this recipe transforms chicken into bite-sized, crispy nuggets of goodness. Paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a simple, tangy marinara sauce, this meal is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want a satisfying and flavorful dish with a fun presentation.

The crispy, golden-brown chicken bites are topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, delivering all the comforting flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan in every mouthful. When combined with the rich, aromatic marinara sauce and al dente penne, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Bites:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Marinara Penne:

  • 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

  1. Sauté Onion and Garlic – In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning – Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Keep Warm – Once the marinara sauce is ready, keep it warm on low heat while preparing the chicken and pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta

  1. Boil the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes.
  2. Drain the Pasta – Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the marinara sauce later.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Bites

  1. Set Up Breading Station – Prepare three bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bread the Chicken Bites – Coat each chicken bite in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
  3. Fry the Chicken Bites – Heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken bites in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken bites from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
  4. Melt the Cheese – Preheat your oven to broil (or use a toaster oven). Arrange the crispy chicken bites on a baking sheet, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan on top, and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Combine the Penne with Marinara Sauce

  1. Toss the Pasta – Add the cooked penne pasta to the marinara sauce and toss until well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Plate the Dish

  1. Serve the Penne – Spoon a generous portion of the marinara-coated penne onto each plate as the base of the dish.
  2. Top with Chicken Parmesan Bites – Arrange the crispy, cheesy chicken Parmesan bites on top of the pasta, ensuring each serving gets plenty of chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish – Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil and a bit more grated Parmesan for a bright, fresh finish.
  2. Serve Immediately – Serve the dish hot, pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Cooking Notes:

  • For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular Italian-style breadcrumbs.
  • To save time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce, but homemade sauce adds a fresh, flavorful touch.
  • If you want to bake the chicken instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken bites in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil with cheese in the last 2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve alongside a Caesar salad or garlic bread for a full Italian-American meal experience.
  • A side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, can provide a healthy, balanced addition to the rich pasta and chicken bites.

Tips:

  • For easier preparation, you can make the marinara sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
  • Leftover chicken Parmesan bites can be used to make sandwiches or wraps the next day!
  • Make sure to fry the chicken bites in batches so the oil stays hot, ensuring the chicken remains crispy and doesn’t absorb excess oil.

Prep Time:

  • 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

  • 30 minutes

Total Time:

  • 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 780
  • Protein: 45g
  • Sodium: 900mg

Conclusion:

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Bites with Marinara Penne is a fun and flavorful take on the classic Chicken Parmesan. The bite-sized pieces of chicken provide a crispy texture on the outside with juicy, tender meat inside, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The marinara-coated penne serves as the perfect base, delivering a rich tomato flavor that complements the chicken. This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or when you’re simply craving the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan with a fun twist. Whether it’s for kids or adults, everyone will love this dish!