Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction: Sometimes, a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing is all we need after a long day. The Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe delivers just that. Tender chunks of chicken are seared to perfection and coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This dish is incredibly simple to prepare, using a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites
Before diving into cooking, it’s important to properly prep your chicken for this dish. Here’s how to do it:
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Cut the Chicken:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each. This ensures that the pieces cook evenly and absorb the garlic butter sauce well. -
Season the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cut into pieces, season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This is the base seasoning that will bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.- Advertisement - -
Preheat the Pan:
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the tablespoon of butter for extra flavor. This will make the chicken golden and crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites
Now that your chicken is prepped, it’s time to cook it:
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Cook the Chicken in Batches:
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to cook the chicken in two batches. Let the chicken cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). -
Rest the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover the chicken with a foil tent to keep it warm while you make the garlic butter sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Now comes the magic part—the garlic butter sauce. This sauce adds a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
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Melt the Butter:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. The residual bits of chicken will add even more flavor to the sauce, creating a delicious depth of taste. -
Sauté the Garlic:
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if it’s overcooked. You’ll know it’s done when the kitchen smells aromatic and the garlic becomes fragrant. -
Add the Seasonings:
To the garlic butter, add the dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, letting the spices toast slightly in the butter for an additional 30 seconds. -
Add Lemon and Chicken Broth:
For a tangy kick, add the fresh lemon juice. If you want a more substantial sauce, pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth, which will add some extra depth and a bit of saucy goodness. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another minute or so.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Garlic Butter Sauce
Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to coat the chicken:
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Return the Chicken to the Pan:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, so it can soak up the flavor and become even more tender. -
Final Touches:
Just before serving, sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add extra lemon juice or zest for an even more vibrant flavor.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for how to serve this dish:
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Over Rice or Pasta: The garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with rice or pasta. Spoon the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. For pasta lovers, serve the chicken on top of spaghetti, penne, or your favorite noodles.
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On Its Own: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can enjoy these chicken bites just as they are, perhaps with a side of sautéed vegetables or a light salad to balance the meal.
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In Wraps or Tacos: For a fun twist, serve the chicken bites in tortillas. Add some avocado, sour cream, or salsa for extra flavor.
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With a Side Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the chicken perfectly.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Add Extra Veggies:
To make the dish more substantial, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Simply sauté the veggies in the pan before adding the garlic and butter. This will add color, texture, and nutrients.
2. Spice It Up:
If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce. You can also toss the chicken in a bit of hot sauce after cooking for an extra kick.
3. Make It Dairy-Free:
For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Use a dairy-free chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of the chicken broth if desired.
4. Use Chicken Thighs:
For even juicier and more flavorful bites, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They tend to stay moist and tender and have a bit more flavor.
5. Make it a One-Pan Meal:
If you prefer a one-pan meal, after searing the chicken, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Then, add sliced vegetables (like carrots, onions, and mushrooms) to the same pan. Cook them for a few minutes until tender, then add the garlic butter sauce and chicken back in to finish cooking.
6. Add Cheese:
For a creamy touch, melt some shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the chicken bites once they’ve been coated in the garlic butter sauce. This will add richness and depth to the dish.
Conclusion
These Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a go-to for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. With juicy, flavorful chicken bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is both satisfying and simple to make. Whether served with rice, pasta, or on its own, it’s bound to become a family favorite. The versatility, ease of preparation, and incredible flavor make it the perfect meal for busy nights or lazy weekends. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh, if you prefer)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
- Once the butter is melted, add the chicken cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
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 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this point.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the garlic butter flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, vegetables, or pasta.