Looking for a delicious and easy treat? Try these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites that are perfect for any weeknight! With simple ingredients and quick cooking steps, you'll impress everyone at dinner. The garlic butter sauce adds an irresistible flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
![- Chicken and seasonings - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Zest of 1 lemon Chicken is the star here. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. The Italian seasoning and paprika bring a lovely flavor. Don't forget the salt and pepper to enhance the taste. The lemon zest adds a fresh touch. - Butter and garlic - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced Butter creates a rich base for the sauce. I use unsalted butter to control the salt level. Garlic is key; it adds depth and aroma. Minced garlic will cook quickly, so keep an eye on it. - Optional ingredients - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Juice of 1/2 lemon - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat) Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and flavor. The lemon juice boosts the taste with acidity. If you like spice, add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy cooking these garlic butter chicken bites! Start by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and lemon zest. This step is key for flavor. Toss everything together until every piece is coated. Next, prepare your cooking space. Set your skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice color. Now, let’s cook! Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Wait until the butter melts and bubbles. Carefully place the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionally, so it browns evenly. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, take the chicken out and set it aside. This gives you space to make the garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté this over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir constantly to keep the garlic from burning. Return the chicken to the skillet and drizzle lemon juice on top. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce. Let it absorb the flavors for about a minute. If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes now. Toss everything together to combine. Before serving, taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. For the full recipe, refer to the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites section. To ensure chicken doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This keeps it safe to eat and tender. Cut one piece open to check if the meat is white and juices run clear. Perfecting the garlic butter sauce is easy. Start with fresh garlic for the best flavor. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Avoid burning it, as burned garlic can taste bitter. Once you add the chicken back, let it soak in the sauce for a minute. This allows the chicken to absorb all that delicious flavor. For plating suggestions, use a colorful platter. Place the chicken bites neatly, ensuring they look inviting. Drizzle the extra garlic butter sauce over the top. This adds a shiny, delicious look. For garnishing ideas, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also add lemon wedges on the side. They not only look great but give a zesty touch. For more serving flair, consider adding a few cherry tomatoes or slices of cucumber. This creates a beautiful, eye-catching dish. {{image_4}} Spicing it up with heat If you like heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. This ingredient adds a spicy kick that blends well with the garlic butter flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also use hot sauce or cayenne pepper for different heat levels. Alternative herbs and seasonings Feel free to swap out the Italian seasoning with other herbs. You can use fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a new twist. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, making the dish versatile. Try adding some lemon pepper for a bright taste. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. Pairing side dishes Garlic butter chicken bites pair well with many sides. Try serving them with rice or mashed potatoes. A fresh salad adds a crunchy texture and balances the meal. Roasted veggies or steamed broccoli also work great for a colorful plate. These sides enhance the overall dining experience. Using as an appetizer or main dish You can serve these bites as a fun appetizer. They are perfect for parties or game nights. Just set out toothpicks for easy eating. For a main dish, serve them with sides for a complete meal. Either way, they are sure to please your guests and family. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites section. After you enjoy your garlic butter chicken bites, store any leftovers right away. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps the chicken fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until it warms through, usually about 5-7 minutes. If you want to store it for a longer time, freezing is a good option. Place the cooled chicken bites in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the skillet as mentioned above. Garlic butter chicken bites will last about three days in the fridge. If stored properly in the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has a strange color, it's best to toss it. Also, if the chicken feels slimy, do not eat it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work well. They stay juicy and add flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, like the breasts. How can I make this recipe healthier? You can use less butter or substitute it with olive oil. You can also add more veggies to the dish. Toss in some broccoli or bell peppers for a colorful boost. What can I substitute for butter? Try using ghee or coconut oil. You can also use a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option. Each will give a unique taste. Can this recipe be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites in advance. Cook them and store them in the fridge. They taste great even after a day or two! Best storage methods to save for later Store your garlic butter chicken bites in an airtight container. Use glass or plastic containers. They keep well in the fridge for up to three days. How to double or halve the recipe? To double the recipe, just multiply the ingredients by two. For half, divide them by two. It’s easy to adjust the flavors as needed. Serving sizes and adjustments for large gatherings. For a larger crowd, aim for about 4-6 bites per person. You can double or triple the recipe to make enough for everyone. Just remember to increase cooking time if needed. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! You learned about garlic butter chicken bites, from choosing ingredients to serving tips. We covered marinating chicken, cooking it right, and adding a tasty sauce. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. Be bold with flavors and try new twists to fit your style. With these steps, you can make a dish that shines at any meal. Happy cooking!](https://eataroundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cb8329a7-0590-4b1d-aecf-cb9aa660c5a7-250x250.webp)