15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious recipe that will leave everyone raving? Look no further than these 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites! Perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner idea, these juicy chicken bites are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and packed with flavor.

With minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and maximum flavor, this dish is a go-to solution for when you want something fast but don’t want to compromise on taste. Serve them as a main dish alongside your favorite sides, toss them into a salad, or stuff them into a wrap—these versatile bites are sure to become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic days.
2. Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.
3. Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or add to pasta, rice, or salads.
4. Kid-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, these chicken bites are loved by all ages.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut it into small, evenly sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
2. Season: In a bowl, toss the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan for the best sear.
3. Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Incorporate Seasonings: Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and fresh parsley. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Return Chicken to Pan: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat each piece in the garlic butter sauce.
2. Finish with Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the chicken and stir gently.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Chicken: Transfer the garlic butter chicken bites to a serving dish.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Suggested Pairings

• Sides: Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
• Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad for a lighter meal.
• Pasta: Toss the chicken bites into a creamy Alfredo pasta or pesto spaghetti.
• Wraps: Stuff into tortillas or flatbread for a quick wrap or gyro-style sandwich.

Tips for Success

1. Even Cooking: Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor for the sauce.
3. High Heat for Searing: Cooking the chicken on medium-high heat ensures a nice golden crust.
4. Don’t Overcrowd: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
5. Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the sauce’s flavor and adds brightness.

Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Toss in cooked broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers for a complete one-pan meal.
2. Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
3. Herb Swap: Substitute parsley with fresh thyme or basil for a different herbaceous flavor.
4. Cheesy Upgrade: Melt mozzarella or provolone cheese over the chicken for an extra layer of indulgence.

Why These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Stand Out

1. Perfect Balance of Flavors: The richness of the butter, the zestiness of the lemon, and the aromatic garlic create a harmonious flavor profile.
2. Fast but Gourmet: These bites come together quickly without sacrificing the sophistication of a restaurant-quality dish.
3. Endless Versatility: Adaptable to fit any meal plan, they work beautifully in various cuisines and meal formats.

Conclusion

This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe proves that fast meals can still be gourmet. From the sizzle of the chicken in the skillet to the aroma of garlic butter filling your kitchen, every step is a sensory delight. Perfect for those hectic nights when you need a delicious dinner in record time, these chicken bites will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Yield: 4

15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious recipe that will leave everyone raving? Look no further than these 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites! Perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner idea, these juicy chicken bites are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and packed with flavor.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
   In a bowl, toss the chicken with paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well-coated.
   
2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer.
   Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
   Reduce the heat to medium.
   In the same skillet, melt the butter.
   Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant (do not let it burn).
   
4. Combine and Serve
   Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
   Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.
   Serving Suggestions
   Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a hearty meal.
   Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter option.

Notes

Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Herb substitutions: Swap thyme for oregano or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.