Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even as a party appetizer, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is your go-to! Bite-sized pieces of tender chicken are seared to golden perfection and tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is packed with flavor and pairs well with a variety of sides. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and taste, making it a family favorite. Keep reading to learn how to make these irresistible chicken bites, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

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What Are Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are small, tender pieces of chicken breast or thighs that are pan-seared until golden and then tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. The bite-sized format allows the chicken to cook quickly, making this dish a great option when you need a fast, flavorful dinner. The garlic butter sauce adds a savory, rich finish, while optional herbs like parsley or thyme brighten the dish and provide a pop of color. You can serve these chicken bites over rice, pasta, or alongside veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for flavor and color)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences. Here are some substitution and variation ideas:

• Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier bites, or even turkey breast if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, substitute with cubed tofu or tempeh.
• Butter: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace half of the butter with olive oil. For a richer flavor, use ghee (clarified butter).
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder can be used for convenience. You can also add roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
• Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Swap Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or even curry powder for a different twist.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to give your chicken bites a spicy kick.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil work beautifully in this dish. Add them to the butter sauce for an aromatic finish.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken bites with paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the chicken bites in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Remove the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Combine the chicken with the sauce: Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until well coated. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chicken bites with freshly chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve hot with lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness.

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How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cut the chicken evenly: Make sure the chicken is cut into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
2. Sear the chicken properly: Searing the chicken in a hot skillet with butter and oil gives it a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve the best sear.
3. Add garlic after reducing the heat: Garlic burns easily, so reduce the heat before adding it to the pan. This allows the garlic to cook gently, releasing its flavors into the butter without becoming bitter.
4. Toss the chicken in the sauce: Once the garlic is fragrant, return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the garlic butter sauce to ensure every piece is coated.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: Avoid adding too many chicken pieces to the skillet at once, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in a soggy texture. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, which will make the sauce taste bitter. Keep a close eye on the skillet when adding the garlic, and reduce the heat as needed to prevent burning.
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken bites cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry and tough chicken. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving ideas to complete your meal:

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Over rice or pasta: Serve the chicken bites over steamed white or brown rice, or toss them with cooked pasta for a satisfying, saucy meal.
• With vegetables: Pair the chicken bites with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced, nutritious meal.
• As an appetizer: These chicken bites make a great appetizer! Serve them on toothpicks with a dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli for easy party food.
• With a salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken bites on top of a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

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Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Family-style serving: Serve the chicken bites directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for added color and flavor.
• Individual plates: Portion out the chicken bites over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables, and drizzle any extra garlic butter sauce over the top for a delicious finishing touch.
• Garnish for color: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the chicken for a vibrant pop of green that brightens up the dish.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe Tips

• Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic will give you the best flavor for the sauce, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as well.
• Make it ahead: You can cut and season the chicken bites ahead of time, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This helps reduce prep time during busy evenings.
• Leftovers: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the flavor and texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Cooking frozen chicken directly can result in uneven cooking.

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Butter provides the rich, creamy flavor that makes this dish so delicious, but if you need a dairy-free option, you can use margarine or a combination of margarine and olive oil.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: While pan-searing gives the best golden crust, you can bake the chicken bites in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked. Finish by tossing them in the garlic butter sauce on the stovetop.

Q: Can I make this dish spicy?
A: Absolutely! You can add more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicier version of this recipe.

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Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even as a party appetizer. The combination of juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and fresh herbs makes for a truly satisfying meal that comes together in under 20 minutes. Serve it with rice, pasta, vegetables, or salad for a complete dinner that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites!

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