Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

$To make garlic butter chicken bites, you need these main ingredients: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil These ingredients create a tasty base for your dish. The chicken needs to be fresh. Butter adds richness, while garlic gives that great flavor. The spices and seasonings are key to making this dish pop. You will use: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and black pepper to taste These spices work together well. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. Onion powder and thyme complement the chicken. Garnishing is simple yet important. Use: - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish - Lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. Lemon juice brightens up the dish. Just squeeze some over the chicken before eating for extra zest. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by cutting one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, season the chicken with smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Add a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss the chicken well until all pieces are coated in the spices. This step makes sure the chicken is flavorful. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Use tongs to turn the pieces halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked. Now, lower the heat to medium-low. Move the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, add four tablespoons of unsalted butter and four minced garlic cloves. Let the butter melt slowly while sautéing the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the garlic from burning. Once the garlic is fragrant and golden, mix the chicken into the garlic butter. Let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes to absorb those rich flavors. To make your chicken bites perfect, start with good-quality chicken. Fresh breasts will taste best. Cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice sear. Cook the chicken in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan to keep them crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. To get the best garlic flavor, use fresh garlic cloves. Mince them finely to release more oils. Add the garlic to the pan only after the chicken is cooked. This keeps the garlic from burning. Saute it in melted butter for a rich, savory taste. Stir it often to ensure even cooking. This method gives you a deep, aromatic garlic flavor. Serve your garlic butter chicken bites hot for the best taste. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Pair them with lemon wedges. Squeezing lemon over the chicken brings out the flavors. You can serve them with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. They also make a great appetizer for parties. Enjoy them with friends and family! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, always use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced garlic. Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust and aromatic taste. Let Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to customize the spice blend! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning can elevate the dish to new flavor heights. Garnish for Color: Always finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. It not only adds color but also enhances the final flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can easily swap chicken for other meats. Try using shrimp for a quick meal. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink. You can also use turkey if you want a leaner choice. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces like chicken. Adjust cooking times to ensure everything cooks through. For a vegetarian twist, use mushrooms or tofu. Slice mushrooms into thick pieces and cook until golden. If using tofu, press it first to remove excess water. Then, cut it into cubes and season well. Both options soak up the garlic butter flavor nicely. You can even mix in some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added taste. Want to boost the flavor? Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. This adds a savory kick. You can also toss in crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. Lastly, experiment with different spices like cumin or curry powder. These tweaks keep your meal exciting and new. To store your garlic butter chicken bites, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers if you stack them. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a skillet, add a little butter to keep them juicy. Heat on low until warm, stirring gently. If using a microwave, cover the bowl with a lid to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, checking often. Freezing is a great way to keep these bites for longer. Place the cooled chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out any extra air before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They have more fat, making them juicier. The cooking time may be the same. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. This change gives you a richer flavor. Many people prefer thighs for their tenderness. To spice up the recipe, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also use hot sauce or spicy paprika. For a stronger kick, try adding jalapeños. Mix these with the chicken before cooking. Adjust the heat level to match your taste. Garlic butter chicken bites pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with rice or pasta. A fresh salad complements the dish nicely. You could also serve them with crusty bread. This helps soak up the tasty garlic butter. Lastly, steamed veggies add a healthy touch. In this article, we explored the key ingredients and detailed steps to make garlic butter chicken bites. We covered cooking tips, variations for different tastes, and how to store your leftovers properly. Garlic butter chicken bites are versatile and easy to make. You can swap proteins or even go vegetarian. Enhance flavors as you like. I hope this guide inspires you to cook and enjoy this delicious dish!$

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Delicious bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
as needed lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, along with a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss the chicken until all pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don't overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
Lower the heat to medium-low. Move the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet to create space. On the vacant side, add the butter along with the minced garlic. Allow the butter to melt slowly and sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning and to release its aromatic flavor.
Once the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, mix the chicken into the butter-garlic mixture, ensuring that each piece is generously coated. Let everything simmer together for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb those delicious garlic butter flavors.
Take the skillet off the heat. Transfer the chicken bites to a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and place lemon wedges on the side for drizzling over the chicken just before eating.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.

Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, quick meal