For a quick, savory dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for any meal, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are an excellent choice. With tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a garlic-butter sauce and seasoned with aromatic herbs, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s ready in under 15 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for busy nights, casual get-togethers, or when you need a quick and satisfying main dish. Juicy and golden-brown with a hint of smoked paprika and Italian herbs, each bite offers a rich, buttery taste with just the right amount of seasoning. And since it’s all made in one skillet, there’s minimal cleanup!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need just a handful of everyday ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:
- 500 g chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking)
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (a flavorful blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for that irresistible garlicky taste)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (to add a touch of depth)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
- 3/4 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for subtle heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (to sear the chicken and lock in moisture)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small pieces to melt easily)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and fresh flavor)
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Italian Herbs: If you don’t have Italian herbs, you can use a blend of your favorite dried herbs, like thyme, oregano, and rosemary.
- Butter: For a lighter option, reduce the butter amount slightly or use a butter substitute.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This recipe comes together quickly, and it’s ideal for cooks of any skill level. Just follow these easy steps:
1. Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken breast pieces with Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until each piece is coated in the seasoning mix. This step is essential for locking in the flavors before cooking.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, reduce the heat to medium, then add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, so the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a beautiful golden-brown sear.
3. Cook Until Golden Brown
Allow the chicken to cook for 5-8 minutes, turning each piece every 2-3 minutes to ensure an even browning. The chicken should be a nice golden color but not fully cooked at this stage. This will allow the butter to melt over the chicken in the next step without overcooking it.
4. Add the Butter
Lower the heat and add the small pieces of butter to the pan, stirring them in with the chicken. As the butter melts, it will blend with the seasonings to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Keep stirring to make sure each piece is coated with the garlic butter goodness.
5. Finish with Fresh Parsley
Once the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top, adding a bright color and fresh flavor to the dish.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Here are some tips to make your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites turn out perfectly every time:
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: Cast iron is ideal for getting that beautiful sear on the chicken. If you don’t have one, a non-stick skillet will work, but the chicken may not brown as evenly.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: This helps each piece cook through evenly and prevents steaming instead of searing.
- Control the Heat: Start with medium-high heat to sear, then reduce to medium when cooking the chicken through. For the final step, lower the heat to prevent the butter from burning.
- Fresh vs. Dried Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor and color, but you can use dried parsley in a pinch—just use a smaller amount.
Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These bites are versatile, and you can pair them with many sides to create a satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:
- Over Pasta: Serve the chicken bites over cooked pasta with a bit of extra garlic butter sauce for a quick pasta dish.
- With Rice: Add these chicken bites on top of steamed rice or pilaf, letting the garlic butter soak into the grains.
- Alongside Vegetables: Pair with sautéed or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
- In Wraps or Bowls: Make a wrap or a grain bowl with these chicken bites, fresh veggies, and your favorite sauce for a quick lunch option.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat:
- In the Skillet: Warm them in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture and avoid overcooking.
- In the Microwave: Use short intervals (about 30 seconds at a time), stirring between to ensure even heating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as directed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or simply use extra olive oil. The flavor will differ slightly but will still be delicious.
What Other Herbs Can I Use?
Feel free to add or substitute with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added toward the end of cooking for a more intense flavor.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Just be sure to check for doneness.
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for any night of the week. Their simplicity, paired with the rich garlic butter flavor, makes them an irresistible dish that’s ready in no time. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken Bites Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5-8 minutes, turning the chicken every 2-3 minutes, until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through.
- Lower the heat, add the butter, and stir it in with the chicken until melted and evenly coated.
- Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for extra flavor, if available.
- Great as an appetizer or main dish with a side of vegetables or rice.
Leave a Reply