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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
If there’s one recipe that proves simple can be spectacular, it’s Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. These golden, juicy morsels of chicken are pan-seared to perfection and then coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. Quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining, this dish is a game-changer. The best part? It’s ready in less than 20 minutes with pantry ingredients you already have at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & easy: Dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients: You only need chicken, butter, garlic, and a few seasonings.
- Versatile: Serve as a main with sides, over pasta, rice, or even as an appetizer.
- Crowd-pleasing: Family-friendly flavors that never fail to impress.
- Meal-prep friendly: Easy to double and refrigerates or freezes well.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1) Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help them sear instead of steam.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2) Sear to Golden Perfection
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
3) Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Toss chicken back in the pan, coating every bite with garlic butter.
4) Finish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.
Serving Ideas
- Classic dinner: Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
- Light & fresh: Toss over a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Pasta night: Mix with linguine or fettuccine and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Rice bowl: Serve over jasmine or brown rice with steamed broccoli.
- Appetizer style: Spear with toothpicks and serve on a platter for parties.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
- Herby: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of parsley.
- Cheesy: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan at the end.
- Asian-inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil.
Pro Tips for Success
- High heat sear: Ensures crisp edges and juicy centers.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook chicken in batches to avoid steaming.
- Garlic timing: Add garlic after butter melts to avoid burning.
- Finish with acid: A squeeze of lemon brightens the rich garlic butter.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave in short bursts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, though breasts cook faster.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, swap butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
What’s the best pan to use? A cast-iron skillet gives the best sear, but any heavy-bottom pan works.
How do I know when chicken is cooked? Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: ~32 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: ~19 g
- Fiber: 0 g
Values may vary depending on cut of chicken and butter used.
Quick Recipe Card
Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Yield: 4 servings
- Season 1 1/2 lbs chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear in a hot skillet 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add 4 tbsp butter and 5 minced garlic cloves; sauté 1 minute.
- Toss chicken in garlic butter; sprinkle parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken that works in countless ways—from quick weeknight dinners to crowd-pleasing appetizers. Keep this recipe in your rotation, and you’ll always have a go-to dish when you want big flavor with minimal effort.