Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Delight

$- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon olive oil In this garlic butter chicken bites recipe, the main star is the chicken. I recommend using fresh chicken breast for the best taste. The butter adds richness, while garlic gives it a nice kick. The thyme and paprika bring warm flavors that make this dish special. - Additional spices (e.g., onion powder, cayenne pepper for heat) - Alternative garnishes (e.g., green onions, herbs) Feel free to get creative! Adding spices like onion powder can give it a different flavor. If you like heat, cayenne pepper is a great choice. For garnishing, try green onions or other herbs to brighten up your dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Seasoning the chicken: Start by placing the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix well to coat each piece evenly. This step gives the chicken great flavor. - Heating the skillet: In a large skillet, pour in one tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Set your heat to medium. Wait until the butter melts and foams. This creates a base for cooking the chicken. - Searing the chicken bites: Once the butter is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Make sure to lay them in a single layer. Let them cook for five to six minutes without stirring. This helps them become golden brown on one side. - Adding garlic and finishing cooking: After searing, use tongs to flip the chicken. Add the remaining butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir often for four to five minutes. The garlic should smell great, and the chicken needs to be fully cooked. - Adding lemon juice: Take the skillet off the heat. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken bites. Gently toss them to mix in the lemon juice. This adds a fresh flavor that brightens the dish. - Garnishing and plating tips: Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color. For a nice touch, add lemon wedges around the chicken. This makes the dish look appealing and ready to serve. How to properly sear chicken To sear chicken well, first, ensure your skillet is hot. Add oil and let it heat up. Place the chicken in a single layer to avoid steaming. Resist the urge to move it around too much. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes. This helps create a nice golden crust. Flip it only when the bottom is brown. Tips to avoid burning garlic Garlic can burn fast, so add it after the chicken has seared. Cook it on medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. As soon as you smell its strong aroma, remove it from the heat. This way, you keep the garlic’s flavor without the bitter taste of burnt pieces. Substituting ingredients for different flavors You can switch up the spices for new tastes. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper. If you like a bit of sweetness, try using honey or brown sugar. Each change can bring a new flavor to the dish. Be bold and mix in your favorites! Adding vegetables for a one-pan meal You can easily make this dish a complete meal. Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Toss them in right after the chicken. This adds color and crunch while cooking. Plus, you get more nutrition in every bite! Pro Tips Perfect Your Seasoning: Always taste your seasoning before cooking. This ensures that the chicken bites are flavorful and well-balanced. Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure the butter is bubbling but not browning when you add the chicken to avoid burning the garlic later. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly compared to dried alternatives. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken bites to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain their juices and enhances the flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily adjust this recipe for different diets. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free soy sauce. It adds great flavor without the gluten. You can also replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. If you want low-carb alternatives, try using chicken thighs. They have more fat and flavor. You can also serve the chicken bites over a bed of cauliflower rice. This keeps the dish tasty and low in carbs. You can create fun flavor twists with this recipe. For an Asian-inspired version, add soy sauce and ginger. This gives the chicken a savory and warm taste. Just mix in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of grated ginger when you add the garlic. Another great twist is a Mediterranean flavor. Add olives and feta cheese. This makes the dish bright and tangy. Just toss in 1/4 cup of sliced olives and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta during the last minute of cooking. These small changes keep the dish exciting and full of flavor. To store leftovers, let the chicken bites cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. This method keeps them juicy. Stir often to help them heat evenly. You can also use a microwave, but the skillet is best for taste. For freezing cooked chicken bites, let them cool completely. Pack them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will stay good for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. You can also use the microwave to thaw them quickly. Just be sure to check that they are warm all the way through before serving. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They are juicy and full of flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, like you would with chicken breasts. They may take a bit longer to cook. What can I substitute for butter? You can use olive oil or coconut oil. Both will add flavor without changing the dish too much. If you want a buttery taste, try using ghee or vegan butter. How can I tell when chicken bites are fully cooked? The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. You can cut a piece in half to check. It should be white and juicy, not pink. What if I don’t have a skillet? A non-stick pan or a wok works well too. You can even use a baking dish in the oven. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through. What sides pair well with garlic butter chicken bites? Rice or mashed potatoes make great sides. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Can I make a sauce to serve with it? Yes! You can mix lemon juice with yogurt or sour cream. Adding herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the sauce. This adds a fresh touch to your dish. In this post, I covered how to make delicious garlic butter chicken bites. You learned about the ingredients and step-by-step cooking process. I shared tips for best results and several tasty variations. You can also find storage info and FAQs to help you. Now, it’s time for you to try this recipe. Enjoy your cooking and share the results!$

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Delight

A delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish with garlic and butter, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon juice of
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Toss the chicken until all pieces are well-coated with the seasoning blend, ensuring even flavor distribution.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt fully, creating a sizzling base for the chicken.
Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes, or until the undersides are golden brown and nicely seared.
Carefully flip the chicken bites using tongs. Sprinkle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Stir frequently and sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic burn.
Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken bites. Gently toss the chicken to incorporate the lemon juice, enhancing the flavor profile.
Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Notes

For an attractive presentation, serve the garlic butter chicken bites on a large, colorful platter. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant and inviting display.

Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, quick meal