Mediterranean Crispy Chicken Bites with Herbed Yogurt Dip
These crispy chicken bites are a Mediterranean twist on a comfort food favorite. The coating blends Parmesan or feta with herbs for rich, savory flavor, while the herbed yogurt dip adds a cool and tangy finish. They make a perfect appetizer, snack, or light dinner served alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or whole wheat for extra crunch)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or finely crumbled feta cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Olive oil spray (or shallow fry in olive oil)
For the Herbed Yogurt Dip:
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dip
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, grated garlic, lemon juice, and dill or mint.
Season with salt and pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until serving.
Prepare the Chicken Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan or feta, oregano, thyme, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg, Greek yogurt, and minced garlic until smooth.
Coat the Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry with a paper towel.
Dip each piece into the egg-yogurt mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Roll in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
Cook the Chicken
Option 1 – Air Fryer/Bake:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
Lightly spray with olive oil.
Bake or air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
Option 2 – Pan Fry:
Heat a shallow layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken bites for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Serve
Serve warm with the chilled herbed yogurt dip.
Tips
Extra Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier coating.
Cheese Choice: Parmesan will give a nutty, savory flavor; feta will make it more tangy and distinctly Mediterranean.
Avoid Sogginess: Make sure chicken pieces are dry before coating to help the crumbs stick better.
Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Garlic Flavor: If you prefer a milder garlic taste, lightly sauté the garlic before adding to the coating mixture.
Make Ahead: You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate before cooking.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest to the coating for extra brightness.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Herb Swap: Try basil, rosemary, or cilantro instead of parsley for a flavor twist.
Different Protein: Use turkey breast or firm white fish instead of chicken.
Mini Sliders: Serve the crispy bites inside mini pita pockets with lettuce, tomato, and the yogurt dip as a sauce.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Yes. You can bread the chicken earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and cook just before serving for the best texture.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Yes. Freeze the breaded uncooked chicken on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q: Can I make the dip dairy-free?
A: Swap Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or a thick dairy-free alternative, and use olive oil–based feta if desired.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely. Thighs will give a juicier texture, though they may need an extra minute or two to cook.
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving, based on 4 servings, baked version)
Calories: ~290
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: ~460mg
Final Conclusion
These Mediterranean Crispy Chicken Bites with Herbed Yogurt Dip strike the perfect balance between crispy, juicy chicken and fresh, tangy flavors. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner but also impressive for entertaining guests. Serve them hot with the cool yogurt dip for a crowd-pleasing bite that’s both healthier and full of Mediterranean charm.