why make this recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and delicious dish that everyone will love. The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs brings a rich flavor to tender chicken pieces. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a satisfying appetizer for gatherings. It’s simple to make and can be paired with a variety of sides, like pasta or a fresh salad.
how to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients:
- 1¼ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1½ Tablespoons minced fresh garlic (4 cloves)
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Toss the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika to coat evenly.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Tilt the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
- Add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pieces. This will help them brown instead of steam.
- Cook until the bottom is a nice golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip the chicken to the other side and cook for another 2 minutes, or until it’s nearly cooked through. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet is small.
- Add the remaining butter, garlic, and parsley to the pan. Cook and simmer the chicken for 1 more minute or until fully cooked, scraping the skillet to release any browned bits.
- Serve right away with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio With Kale and blistered tomatoes.
how to serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are best served hot. You can plate them with a side of spaghetti, tossed salad, or garlic bread. They also make a great appetizer at parties. Drizzle some extra butter sauce over them for added flavor.
how to store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
To store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
tips to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Make sure the chicken pieces are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip the scraping step to get that delicious browned flavor into the sauce.
- You can adjust the garlic amount based on your preference.
- For an extra zing, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes while cooking. If you prefer a lighter version, use low-sodium chicken broth instead of butter.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
You can use dried parsley instead; just use a smaller amount since dry herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time, then cook it just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.25 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided Use 1 tablespoon for cooking and the rest for sauce.
- 1.5 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley Can substitute with dried parsley.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Toss the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika to coat evenly.
Cooking
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Tilt the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
- Add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pieces.
- Cook until the bottom is a nice golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes or until nearly cooked through.
- Add the remaining butter, garlic, and parsley to the pan. Cook and simmer for 1 more minute or until fully cooked, scraping the skillet to release any browned bits.