Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner option that requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum taste. Tender pieces of chicken are seared until golden, then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of herbs. This dish is perfect on its own, over rice, with pasta, or served alongside vegetables.
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Description
This recipe features juicy pan-seared chicken pieces tossed in a silky garlic butter sauce. It takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings. The combination of garlic, butter, and simple seasonings creates a comforting and versatile dish that pairs well with almost any side.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help them brown well.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 2–3 minutes to allow browning, then continue cooking until fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes total.
5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt.
7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
8. Add Italian seasoning and lemon juice (if using).
9. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
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Tips
For the best browning, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add a splash of chicken broth to extend the sauce if desired.
Keep the garlic on medium heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
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Variations
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter.
Creamy Option: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream to the garlic butter for a richer sauce.
Herb-Focused: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil at the end.
Lemon-Garlic: Increase lemon juice to 2 tablespoons and add lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
Honey Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon honey for a sweet-savory twist.
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Correction
If your chicken turns out dry, lower the heat slightly and reduce the cooking time. Chicken breast dries out quickly, so switching to thighs or removing the chicken from the pan as soon as it’s cooked can fix the issue. If the garlic tastes bitter, ensure it’s sautéed at a lower temperature next time.
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Enjoy
Serve the garlic butter chicken bites immediately while warm and coated in the flavorful sauce. They pair perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal that comes together in minutes.