Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized pieces of chicken breast cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect as a main course for a family dinner or a tasty appetizer, these chicken bites are easy to prepare and cook in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier handling.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until they are evenly coated with the spices.
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for searing the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken: Once cooked, take the chicken out of the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Melt the butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and melt the unsalted butter carefully to avoid burning.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add lemon juice and parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to the garlic butter mixture to enhance flavor.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce to coat all pieces.
- Finish cooking: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to get a nice sear and flavorful crust.
- Use fresh parsley for the best vibrant flavor and color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.
