Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe: Juicy Family Favorite

Crispy, golden garlic butter chicken bites spark joy in every home kitchen adventure.

Weeknight meals demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

Home cooks passionate about simple yet mouthwatering dishes will adore this recipe effortless charm.

Succulent chicken pieces dance with rich, aromatic butter and zesty garlic notes.

Each perfectly seasoned morsel promises a burst of incredible flavor that transforms ordinary dinners.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this dish a superhero in your culinary repertoire.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch magic unfold on your dinner plate.

What’s Quick and Easy in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Superfast Weeknight Winner: Whip up this chicken dish in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Minimal Cleanup Champion: One-pan cooking means less washing up, saving time and energy after a long day of work or household chores.

Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Bold seasonings like paprika, thyme, and garlic create restaurant-quality taste with minimal ingredients and effort, turning ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Versatile Dinner Hero: Serve these chicken bites over rice, with a side salad, or tucked into wraps – making it adaptable for different meal preferences and dietary needs.

Garlic Chicken Bites 15-Minute Mix

• Chicken Pieces: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish, boneless and skinless for quick cooking.
• Paprika: Adds warm color and mild smoky flavor to the chicken.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle background seasoning.
• Thyme: Brings earthy herbal notes to the meat.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor.

• Olive Oil: Perfect for initial searing and creating golden brown chicken.
• Butter: Creates rich, luxurious garlic sauce with deep flavor.

• Garlic: Provides intense, pungent flavor to the butter sauce, fresh minced works best.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds fresh color and light herbal finish.

• Lemon Wedges: Adds optional citrusy brightness and tang to the finished dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites 15-Minute Method

Step 1: Preheat Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is hot and ready for the chicken.

Step 2: Season Chicken Pieces

• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings, massaging them into the meat.

Step 3: Brown Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the hot skillet.

Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden brown develops.

Flip each piece and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

Add butter and let it melt completely.

Introduce minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the aroma becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Return chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece gets completely covered in the luxurious garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken.

Optional: Add lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.

Serve immediately while hot and gloriously glossy.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in 15 Minutes Tips

• Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding to achieve perfect golden-brown edges and ensure even cooking.
• Use freshly ground spices instead of pre-ground for more intense and vibrant seasoning that elevates the entire dish.
• Add minced garlic only after butter is melted to prevent burning and preserve its delicate, aromatic flavor profile.
• Replace chicken with tofu or shrimp for a versatile recipe that accommodates different dietary preferences and protein choices.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy meat every single time.

Tips for Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Warm the chicken bites in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out, stirring gently until heated through. This method helps restore the original juiciness and garlic butter flavor.
• Reheat chicken bites in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Drizzle a small amount of butter or olive oil to keep the meat moist and prevent rubbery texture.
• Consume reheated chicken within 2 days of the initial cooking for the best taste and texture. Discard if the chicken develops an unusual smell or appearance.

Best Matches for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Smooth, buttery white wine complements the garlic butter sauce, enhancing the chicken's rich flavors without overpowering the delicate seasonings.
• Create Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Quick side dish that mirrors the garlic notes in the chicken, adding a green vegetable with complementary earthy and tangy undertones.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Light, protein-packed grain base that absorbs the garlic butter sauce, providing a nutritious and textural contrast to the golden chicken bites.
• Recommend Fresh Citrus Salad: Bright, zesty mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness of the chicken, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Garlic Chicken Bites With Mix-In Options

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace olive oil with avocado oil, use chicken thighs for higher fat content, and skip the parsley garnish for a pure keto meal.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil or ghee, maintaining the garlic flavor while eliminating dairy. Use dairy-free margarine for a similar richness.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary and sage instead of thyme. Add dried herbs directly to the chicken seasoning for enhanced flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Reduce salt quantity, use salt-free seasoning blend, and incorporate fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to boost taste without extra sodium.

FAQs

• What are the health benefits of using olive oil in this recipe?

Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, contains antioxidants, and may help reduce inflammation. It’s a nutritious alternative to other cooking oils and supports overall cardiovascular health.

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more flavor and tenderness. Just ensure you cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and have no pink meat inside.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these chicken bites can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain moisture and flavor.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken bites deliver a mouthwatering meal that whisks dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in mere minutes. Quick, flavorful, and simple, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Serving Suggestion:

• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cast-iron or non-stick pan over robust medium-high temperature, preparing the cooking surface with a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Generously coat raw chicken pieces with a harmonious blend of paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, ensuring each morsel is evenly seasoned.
3. Carefully arrange chicken in a single, uncrowded layer within the heated pan, allowing each piece to develop a rich, caramelized exterior without disturbance for approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Gently rotate chicken pieces to reveal a golden-brown crust, continuing cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches complete doneness.
5. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a temporary holding plate, maintaining its crisp texture.
6. Reduce pan temperature to medium and introduce rich, creamy butter, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious base for the upcoming flavor profile.
7. Introduce finely minced garlic to the bubbling butter, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to release its aromatic essence without burning.
8. Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the fragrant garlic butter sauce, delicately tossing to ensure comprehensive and even coating.
9. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface and serving immediately with optional bright lemon wedges for a citrusy accent.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
• Opt for unsalted butter to control sodium levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Swap chicken with tofu or cauliflower for vegetarian alternative, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg