A party is only as good as its snacks. Sure, the decor is cute and the playlist is fire, but if the food flops, well… that’s what people will be texting about on the way home.
And let’s not even talk about the disappointment of showing up hungry and finding a lonely bowl of plain chips.
Hosting a party doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget or losing your mind in the kitchen. With a little planning, you can whip up budget-friendly finger foods that are easy to make ahead and impossible to resist.
Imagine this: you prep everything the night before, kick back during the party, and bask in the compliments as your guests devour every bite.
Sounds like the dream, right?
That’s exactly why we’ve put together 14 epic recipes that hit the sweet spot between flavor, simplicity, and style.
From crispy taquitos that are dangerously addictive to mini sandwiches that scream “fancy but not fussy,” these finger foods will make your party the one everyone remembers (for all the right reasons).
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[1] Cheesy Party Taquitos
If there’s one thing that’ll get the party started, it’s these Cheese Taquitos! Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and 100% dunkable, they’re everything you want in a finger food (and more).
Plus, they’re made with budget-friendly ingredients like tortillas and cheese—so you can keep the good vibes rolling without breaking the bank.
The best part? You can make these ahead of time (hello, stress-free hosting!) and reheat them in a snap. Pair them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “save me one!”
Store-brand cheese and tortillas make this super affordable. And if you’ve got leftovers (unlikely!), they reheat like a dream at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Servings:
12 Taquitos
Ingredients:
- 12 small tortillas (flour or corn—your call!)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your go-to favorite)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional but adds a smoky kick)
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil
Instructions:
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix shredded cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the cheesy filling onto the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate if Needed: Want to prep ahead? Cover the tray and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Bake to Crispy Goodness: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite dips.
[2] Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese
When you need a party snack that’s light, refreshing, and ridiculously easy, these Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese come to the rescue.
They’re the kind of appetizer that feels fancy (hello, creamy filling and cute toppings!) but takes almost no effort to whip up. Plus, they’re totally make-ahead friendly—so you can spend more time mingling and less time in the kitchen.
Trust us, these bites are perfect for a crowd. Add a little garnish like cherry tomatoes or smoked salmon, and your guests will be raving (just don’t tell them how easy they are to make—let’s keep that our secret!).
Servings:
24 bites
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber (or 2 medium-sized cucumbers)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 2 tsp fresh dill, finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, or smoked salmon for garnish
Instructions:
- Slice the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on a serving platter (don’t stress about perfection—they’ll look great once they’re topped).
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
- Pipe It On: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off—it’s a game-changer!). Pipe a dollop of the filling onto each cucumber slice.
- Top It Off: Add a garnish to each bite for a little extra flair. Cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, or smoked salmon work beautifully.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Serve them chilled, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “easy peasy!”
[3] Mini Caprese Skewers
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly party snack that screams fancy without the hefty price tag, these Mini Caprese Skewers are it.
With just a handful of simple ingredients—cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—you’ll have a bite-sized appetizer that’s colorful, refreshing, and totally irresistible.
Plus, they’re make-ahead friendly! Assemble them a few hours early, and you’ll look like the most organized host ever (even if you were scrambling five minutes before).
Trust us, your guests will love EVERY single bite of these little skewers.
Servings:
12 skewers
Ingredients:
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (or cut larger ones into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 toothpicks or mini skewers
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Wash the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. If you’re using large mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Skewers: On each toothpick or mini skewer, thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded in half if large), and one mozzarella ball. Repeat until all skewers are assembled.
- Season: Drizzle the olive oil over the skewers, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you’re using balsamic glaze, drizzle it lightly over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Place the skewers on a platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 4 hours). Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the compliments!
[4] Pinwheel Sandwiches
These Pinwheel Sandwiches are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—cute, colorful, and crazy easy to make! With endless filling options, they’re perfect for any party theme (or whatever you have in the fridge).
Plus, they’re budget-friendly and can be made hours in advance, so you can focus on enjoying the party instead of stressing in the kitchen.
Trust us, these little spirals of deliciousness will fly off the plate. Bonus points if you mix and match fillings to keep things fun and exciting!
Servings:
24 pinwheels
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced deli turkey or ham
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced bell peppers or cucumbers (optional, for crunch)
Instructions:
- Mix the Spread: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay a tortilla flat and spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges. Layer on shredded lettuce, deli meat, shredded cheese, and any optional veggies, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
- Roll It Up: Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting at one edge, to create a spiral. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
- Chill and Slice: Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (this helps them hold their shape). When ready to serve, slice each roll into 6 even pieces to create pinwheels.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the pinwheels on a platter, and watch them disappear—fast!
[5] Stuffed Mushrooms
When it comes to elegant party snacks that won’t break the bank, Stuffed Mushrooms are the way to go.
These bite-sized beauties are loaded with a savory, cheesy breadcrumb filling that’s packed with flavor (and looks like you spent WAY more time than you actually did).
They’re easy to prepare ahead of time—just assemble, refrigerate, and bake right before serving. Trust us, your guests will be popping these like candy, and you’ll be the party MVP!
Servings:
24 stuffed mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 24 button or cremini mushrooms
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (store-brand works great!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Prep the Mushrooms: Gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to clean them. Remove the stems and set the caps aside on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Finely chop the stems.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped mushroom stems and garlic for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix It Up: In a bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom stems, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap, packing it slightly to ensure it stays in place. Drizzle the remaining olive oil lightly over the stuffed mushrooms for added richness.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the mushrooms for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve and Savor: Arrange on a platter and watch them disappear (don’t forget to sneak one for yourself before they’re all gone!).
[6] Cheesy Corn Poppers
Looking for a party snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive? These Cheesy Corn Poppers are it!
Made with a mix of sweet corn, gooey cheese, and a crispy golden coating, they’re an affordable crowd-pleaser that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe.
The best part? You can prep them ahead of time and fry or bake them right before the party starts. Trust us, these little bites are a total game-changer (and yes, you might want to double the batch!).
Servings:
24 poppers
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned—drained and patted dry)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup additional breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
Instructions:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the sweet corn, shredded cheese, flour, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the mixture holds together (it’ll be slightly sticky but that’s what makes it magical!).
- Shape the Poppers: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture to make approximately 24 poppers.
- Coat the Poppers: Roll each ball in the additional breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
- Make-Ahead Option: At this point, you can refrigerate the poppers for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Cook the Poppers:
- For Frying: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the poppers in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
- For Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the poppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, spicy mayo, or salsa work great) and prepare for them to vanish in seconds!
[7] Crispy Zucchini Fries
Who needs regular fries when you can have these Crispy Zucchini Fries? They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor—perfect for dipping into marinara or ranch.
The best part? They’re baked (or air-fried) for a healthier twist, so you can snack guilt-free while still impressing your party guests.
With simple, affordable ingredients and an easy make-ahead option, these fries are the kind of finger food everyone will reach for. Trust us, they’re a total winner!
Servings:
4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions:
- Prep the Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchinis. Cut them into fry-sized sticks, about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- Set Up the Breading Stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Bread the Zucchini: Coat each zucchini stick in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
- Make-Ahead Option: Place the breaded zucchini sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.
- Cook the Fries:
- For Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- For Air-Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. Watch them disappear faster than you can say “zucchini!”
[8] Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
If you’re looking for a snack that’s juicy, spicy, and totally addictive, these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are it! They’re like wings, but easier to eat (and way less messy).
Made with simple, affordable ingredients, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd without stretching your budget.
The best part? You can prep them ahead of time and toss them in the buffalo sauce just before serving. Add some ranch or blue cheese on the side, and you’ve got a party hit that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!
Servings:
24 meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery (optional, for a crunchy twist)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, celery, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix to keep them tender!).
- Form the Meatballs: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture to make 24 meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked and lightly golden.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Add the cooked meatballs and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the saucy meatballs to a platter and serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
[9] Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
There’s something magical about food on a stick—it’s fun, it’s easy to grab, and it somehow tastes better.
These Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers are no exception! Juicy chicken bites get marinated in a sweet-meets-tangy honey mustard glaze, then roasted or grilled to perfection.
Think backyard barbecue vibes but without the grill master stress.
They’re fancy enough to impress your guests but simple enough to make you feel like a party-planning pro. Bonus: the skewers make them mess-free, which means fewer spills and happier hosts. Now that’s a win!
Servings:
12 skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 small wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)
Instructions:
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours if you’ve got time (trust us, it’s worth it!).
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Cook the Skewers:
- For Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
- For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve and Shine: Lay these beauties on a platter, drizzle with a little extra honey mustard if you’re feeling fancy, and watch everyone light up as they dig in.
[10] Loaded Potato Skins
Who can resist a crispy, cheesy potato loaded with all the best toppings?
These Loaded Potato Skins are the kind of finger food that gets everyone excited—they’re crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of sour cream.
The best part? They’re super affordable to make (potatoes are a budget hero!) and can be prepped ahead of time. Just reheat and garnish right before serving, and you’ll look like a party-planning genius.
Servings:
12 potato skins
Ingredients:
- 6 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Scrub the potatoes clean, then poke a few holes in each with a fork. Rub them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake directly on the oven rack for 45-50 minutes, or until tender. Let cool slightly.
- Scoop and Prep: Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato around the edges to create a sturdy shell (save the insides for mashed potatoes or another recipe!).
- Crisp the Skins: Brush the potato skins inside and out with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip them over and bake for another 5 minutes until crispy.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon evenly into each potato skin. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Serve warm, and watch your guests rave about them!
[11] Spinach and Feta Phyllo Cups
These Spinach and Feta Phyllo Cups are the perfect bite-sized snack to bring a touch of elegance to your party spread. With a flaky, golden shell and a creamy spinach-feta filling, they’re a total flavor bomb.
Don’t let their fancy look fool you—they’re easy to make with store-bought phyllo cups and a handful of ingredients.
Plus, you can prep them ahead of time, bake just before serving, and let your guests marvel at your culinary skills!
Servings:
24 phyllo cups
Ingredients:
- 24 frozen phyllo cups (store-bought, found in the freezer section)
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and arrange the phyllo cups on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and egg until well combined.
- Fill the Cups: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into each phyllo cup, filling them almost to the top.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges of the phyllo cups are golden brown.
- Serve and Impress: Let the cups cool slightly before serving. Arrange them on a platter, and watch them disappear as your guests rave about their crispiness and flavor!
[12] Mini BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
When it comes to party snacks, these Mini BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders hit all the right notes. They’re juicy, tangy, and perfectly sized for easy snacking—no utensils required!
Made with tender shredded chicken and tangy barbecue sauce, these sliders pack all the flavor of a full-sized sandwich in a bite-sized package.
They’re affordable, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to vanish fast. Trust us, these minis are the MVP of finger foods!
Servings:
12 mini sliders
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken thighs work great!)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind!)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 12 mini slider buns (or dinner rolls, like Hawaiian rolls)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Optional: coleslaw for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and evenly coated in sauce.
- Assemble the Mini Sliders: Slice the mini buns in half and arrange the bottoms on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small portion of the BBQ chicken onto each bun. Top with shredded cheese, then place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the mini sliders for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are warm and slightly toasted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the mini sliders on a platter and serve warm. Add a little dollop of coleslaw to each one for a crunchy, tangy twist!
[13] Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These Bacon-Wrapped Dates are proof that good things really do come in small packages. Imagine this: smoky, crispy bacon hugging a naturally sweet date, with an optional nutty crunch inside.
It’s the perfect bite—sweet, salty, smoky, and a little indulgent.
And here’s the kicker: they’re ridiculously easy to make! With just three ingredients (or four, if you’re feeling fancy), you’ve got an appetizer that looks like it came straight off a restaurant menu.
Serve these warm, and don’t be surprised if people start calling you the “snack genius.”
Servings:
24 pieces
Ingredients:
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 24 pitted dates (Medjool dates work beautifully)
- 24 whole almonds or walnuts (optional, for stuffing)
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stuff the Dates (Optional): If using almonds or walnuts, tuck one inside each pitted date for a delightful crunch.
- Wrap It Up: Wrap each date in half a slice of bacon, overlapping slightly. Secure with a toothpick and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection: Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is golden and crisp.
- Serve and Savor: Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a platter and, if you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle them with balsamic glaze for a sweet-tangy finish. Serve warm and watch them disappear in no time.
[14] Chicken Parmesan Bites
Who says you need a full plate to enjoy chicken parmesan? These Chicken Parmesan Bites pack all the crispy, cheesy, saucy goodness of the classic dish into perfectly poppable bites.
They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with just the right amount of marinara and melty cheese.
The best part? They’re budget-friendly, super easy to make, and guaranteed to be a party favorite. (Pro tip: Make extra because they’ll disappear FAST!)
Servings:
24 bites
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken cube in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Lightly spray the chicken bites with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken bites from the oven and spoon a small dollop of marinara sauce onto each one. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to a platter and serve warm. Add a little extra marinara on the side for dipping if you want to be the ultimate host!
