Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Are you looking for a quick and easy chicken dish that's bursting with flavor? This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is the perfect choice! Tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken are sautéed to golden perfection, then coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, these chicken bites are perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or snack. Pair them with rice, pasta, or veggies for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and ways to customize it!

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What are Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender chunks of chicken cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. The chicken is first seasoned and pan-fried until golden brown, and then finished with a delicious mix of butter, garlic, and herbs. This simple yet incredibly tasty dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying appetizer. Whether you serve them with rice, pasta, or veggies, these chicken bites are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

To make these delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Chicken breasts or thighs – 1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2. Butter – 4 tbsp, unsalted
3. Garlic – 5 cloves, minced
4. Olive oil – 2 tbsp
5. Paprika – 1 tsp
6. Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
7. Salt and pepper – to taste
8. Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped (optional, for garnish)
9. Crushed red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional, for a spicy kick)
10. Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)

These ingredients come together to create a savory, buttery, and garlicky sauce that coats the tender chicken pieces. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations to try:

• Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier bites, or even turkey or pork tenderloin for a different protein option.
• Butter alternatives: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine or additional olive oil.
• Seasonings: Swap the Italian seasoning with thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a different flavor profile. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
• Spicy kick: If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken for a fiery flavor.
• Creamy garlic butter: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the garlic butter at the end of cooking.

These substitutions and variations allow you to tailor the recipe to your liking or use what you already have on hand.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

1. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Coat the chicken in the sauce: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce until well coated. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and lemon juice (if using), and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the chicken bites with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides or as a delicious appetizer.

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How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps to ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites turn out perfectly:

1. Seasoning the chicken: Seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning adds a lot of flavor. Make sure each piece is evenly coated before cooking.
2. Searing the chicken: Use a hot skillet to sear the chicken bites and get a golden-brown crust. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in steaming rather than searing.
3. Making the garlic butter sauce: Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it while it cooks. Stir the garlic in the melted butter for just about a minute, and reduce the heat to avoid browning or burning.
4. Tossing the chicken: Once the chicken is back in the pan, toss it well to ensure every piece is coated in the buttery garlic sauce. This step allows the chicken to absorb all the flavor.
5. Finishing touches: Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the butter. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn easily and turn bitter. Cook it over medium heat and stir frequently to prevent burning.
• Not seasoning the chicken well: Be sure to season the chicken generously before cooking. This enhances the flavor and makes the dish more delicious.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:

• Serve over rice: Pair the chicken bites with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
• Serve with pasta: Toss the chicken bites with your favorite pasta (like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne) and a bit of extra garlic butter sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Add veggies: Serve alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy and balanced meal.
• Appetizer style: Serve the chicken bites as an appetizer or snack with toothpicks, along with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or ranch dressing.

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How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

These chicken bites are perfect for a variety of meals and occasions. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Main dish: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites as a main course with a side of mashed potatoes, pasta, or a salad.
• Appetizer: Serve the chicken bites as finger food for parties or game nights. They’re easy to eat and perfect for sharing.
• Meal prep: These chicken bites are great for meal prep! Store them in airtight containers with rice or veggies for a quick and easy lunch or dinner during the week.

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Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Elevate your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with these presentation tips:

• Platter style: Serve the chicken bites on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.
• Individual bowls: For a more personal touch, serve the chicken bites in individual bowls over a bed of rice or pasta, with a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce on top.
• Rustic skillet: For a rustic presentation, serve the chicken bites directly from the skillet at the table, keeping the meal warm and cozy.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can prep the chicken bites in advance by cutting and seasoning the chicken, then storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Storing leftovers: Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a bit of butter to keep them moist.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will take longer to cook. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the cooked bites for later use.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them as a main course, appetizer, or snack, these tender chicken bites are sure to impress. The garlic butter sauce adds rich, savory flavor, while the quick cooking time makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Try this dish tonight, and you’ll have a new go-to chicken recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite!

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