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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm a spacious cast-iron or non-stick pan over robust medium-high temperature, preparing the cooking surface with a drizzle of olive oil.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently rotate chicken pieces to reveal a golden-brown crust, continuing cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches complete doneness.
- Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a temporary holding plate, maintaining its crisp texture.
- Reduce pan temperature to medium and introduce rich, creamy butter, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious base for the upcoming flavor profile.
- Introduce finely minced garlic to the bubbling butter, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to release its aromatic essence without burning.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the fragrant garlic butter sauce, delicately tossing to ensure comprehensive and even coating.
- 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