Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender, juicy pieces of chicken are seared to golden perfection and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1½ pounds (about 700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild heat)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds, until fragrant (do not brown).
Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Add parsley and a splash of lemon juice if desired. Stir well to combine.
Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with extra parsley, and serve immediately.
Description
This dish is a beautiful balance of buttery richness and garlicky goodness. Each bite-sized piece of chicken is coated in a silky sauce that’s both savory and aromatic. It pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. The best part? It’s ready in minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Tips
Cut Evenly: Make sure chicken pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
Avoid Overcrowding: Sear the chicken in batches for the best caramelization.
Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly; keep the heat moderate once butter is added.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme adds a bright finishing touch.
Optional Add-Ins: Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and color.
Variations
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken: Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweet-savory twist.
Herb Infusion: Add rosemary or thyme sprigs to the butter for an aromatic version.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Correction (Common Mistakes to Avoid)
Mistake: Overcooking chicken, resulting in dryness.
Correction: Cook just until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Mistake: Burning the garlic in the butter.
Correction: Lower heat and stir constantly once garlic is added.
Mistake: Using cold chicken straight from the fridge.
Correction: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites hot, straight from the skillet. Pair them with rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. The buttery, garlicky aroma will make this a family favorite in no time.