Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is both simple and indulgent.

The savory garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken, making each bite an irresistible treat. Whether served over rice, with a side of veggies, or as part of a larger meal, these chicken bites are sure to impress.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Essential Tools

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
• Knife (for chopping and mincing)
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This basic seasoning will enhance the flavor of the garlic butter sauce.
2. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will help in searing the chicken and creating a nice golden crust.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
2. Remove and Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt completely.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Herbs and Lemon Juice: Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Cook for another minute to release their flavors. Then add the lemon juice and stir well.
4. Finish the Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, stirring until it is melted and well incorporated into the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the chicken pieces in the sauce until they are well coated and heated through.
2. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve Warm: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites warm over a bed of rice, alongside steamed vegetables, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Sides

• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or carrots for a balanced meal.
• Rice: A fluffy bed of rice, whether white, brown, or cauliflower rice, complements the rich sauce perfectly.
• Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are great for mopping up any leftover garlic butter sauce.

Drink Pairing

• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the rich flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon is refreshing and complements the dish.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Chicken

• Uniform Size: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help all the pieces cook at the same rate and absorb the sauce evenly.

Making the Sauce

• Adjusting Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the garlic or cook it less.

Keeping the Chicken Juicy

• Avoid Overcooking: Ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature but avoid overcooking it to keep it juicy and tender.

Variations to Try

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Add Spice: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Extra Citrus: Increase the lemon juice or add some lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Herb Variations

• Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like basil, oregano, or dill to customize the flavor of the sauce to your liking.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings a burst of flavor with every bite. The combination of tender chicken and a rich garlic butter sauce makes this recipe a go-to for quick dinners and special occasions alike. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Yield: 4

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is both simple and indulgent. The savory garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken, making each bite an irresistible treat. Whether served over rice, with a side of veggies, or as part of a larger meal, these chicken bites are sure to impress.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with flour, salt, and black pepper until well-coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Combine and Toss:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add the lemon juice and dried thyme (if using), stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve:
   Transfer the garlic butter chicken bites to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

• Chicken Size: Make sure the chicken pieces are cut into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Butter Replacement: For a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead of butter. However, the butter adds a rich flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter. Add it to the pan once the butter is melted and cook it just until fragrant.
• Serving Suggestions: These chicken bites make a great appetizer, snack, or main course. They pair well with a side of rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the skillet or microwave.