Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a savory, flavorful dish that is both easy to prepare and utterly delicious. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a party appetizer, these tender, juicy chicken pieces are cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that will have you coming back for more. The combination of garlic, butter, and chicken is a timeless favorite that never disappoints, making this dish a crowd-pleaser every time.

This recipe allows you to enjoy the comforting and aromatic flavors of garlic butter without much effort. Whether served on their own, over rice, or alongside a salad, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are an incredibly versatile dish. In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to make these irresistible bites, along with tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors. You’ll also discover variations of the recipe to suit your personal preferences.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
• Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce adds a rich, savory flavor to the chicken that everyone will love.
• Versatile: You can serve these chicken bites with a variety of sides, including pasta, rice, vegetables, or even on top of a salad.
• Perfectly Tender: The chicken bites are cooked to perfection, staying juicy and tender while being coated in a buttery, flavorful sauce.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it ideal for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 2-4g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 0-1g
• Sugar: 1-2g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for added flavor)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help them get a nice sear when cooking.

Next, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and onion powder (if using). Toss the chicken pieces gently to coat them evenly with the seasonings.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on one side, until golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken pieces over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

If you’re using crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, you can add them to the butter and garlic mixture now. Stir the sauce gently to combine. For a burst of freshness and brightness, you can also add lemon juice at this stage.

4. Combine the Chicken with the Garlic Butter Sauce

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir the chicken gently to coat it evenly with the sauce, ensuring that each piece is covered with the delicious garlic butter mixture. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is coated with the garlic butter sauce and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, sprinkle the chicken with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serve the garlic butter chicken bites immediately, either on their own or over a bed of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. These flavorful bites are also great as an appetizer, paired with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Cut the Chicken Evenly: For consistent cooking, cut the chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures that all the chicken bites cook at the same rate and become tender and juicy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches will allow each piece to get a good sear and crispy texture. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam rather than fry, resulting in a less crispy bite.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to a flavorful sauce. Avoid using garlic powder, as it won’t have the same punch of flavor as freshly minced garlic.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the garlic butter sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer more salt, pepper, or herbs, feel free to add them. You can also use Italian seasoning for added flavor.
• Add Heat: If you enjoy spicy foods, adding crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce can give the chicken a nice kick. Adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.
• Use Unsalted Butter: Since you’re seasoning the chicken and sauce yourself, it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the dish.

Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: For an extra burst of flavor, add more lemon juice and zest to the garlic butter sauce. The citrusy tang pairs wonderfully with the rich butter and garlic.
• Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: After coating the chicken in the garlic butter sauce, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish. This will add a savory, nutty flavor to the chicken.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: To make the dish spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes, or include a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
• Herb Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Experiment with adding different herbs to the garlic butter sauce, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano. Fresh or dried herbs can elevate the dish and create new flavor combinations.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Vegetables: Add some vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skillet when cooking the chicken. These vegetables will soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce and create a more complete meal.

Storage and Shelf Life

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a little more butter or olive oil to keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the garlic butter chicken bites. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Rice: Garlic butter chicken bites are perfect when served with steamed rice or a garlic butter rice dish. The sauce will soak into the rice, creating a flavorful pairing.
• Pasta: Serve the chicken bites over a bed of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. The garlic butter sauce will coat the pasta, making it just as delicious as the chicken.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the garlic butter chicken. Consider a mixed greens salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are a great addition to this dish, adding a healthy and crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
• Garlic Bread: For a comforting touch, serve the chicken bites with garlic bread. The bread will help mop up any extra garlic butter sauce.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings. The tender chicken bites, rich garlic butter sauce, and customizable flavor options make this dish a winner every time.

By following this recipe and incorporating the tips and variations provided, you’ll be able to make the best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites that are full of flavor and guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re serving them with rice, pasta, or on their own, these chicken bites are sure to become a favorite in your home. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this deliciously easy dish!