Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are irresistibly flavorful and incredibly simple to prepare. The garlic butter sauce is rich and aromatic, infusing the chicken with bold flavors that are balanced by the fresh parsley. The seasoning is spot on, and the chicken comes out tender and juicy, making this dish a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether served on their own or paired with veggies, pasta, or rice, these bites are a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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 (about 4 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown.
4. Combine and Coat:
   • Stir the garlic butter into the chicken, making sure all the chicken pieces are coated in the buttery garlic sauce. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir until melted.
5. Finish with Parsley:
   • Sprinkle the cooked chicken bites with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
6. Serve:
   • Remove from the skillet and serve immediately. These garlic butter chicken bites are perfect on their own, over rice, with pasta, or as an appetizer.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for some heat.
• Herb Options: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use basil, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a little butter or olive oil to help restore the moisture. You can also microwave it, but the texture will be better when reheated on the stove.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for this recipe, as frozen chicken can release excess moisture while cooking, which could affect the texture of the garlic butter sauce.

2. Can I make this recipe with chicken tenders?

Yes! Chicken tenders will work just as well as chicken breasts or thighs. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best taste.

4. How can I make the garlic butter sauce creamier?

For a creamier garlic butter sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce after adding the garlic. Stir it in and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet and add fresh parsley before serving.

6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there’s no pink remaining.

7. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

While fresh garlic provides the best flavor, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic.

8. Can I add vegetables to the chicken?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the skillet once the chicken is cooked. Sauté them in the garlic butter sauce for a complete meal.

9. Can I make this recipe with shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes, shrimp works wonderfully with garlic butter. Just cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, and follow the rest of the recipe.

10. How do I serve these garlic butter chicken bites?

These garlic butter chicken bites can be served over rice, pasta, or with a side of vegetables. They also make a great appetizer or addition to a salad.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are an incredibly flavorful and easy dish that will quickly become a family favorite. The buttery, garlicky sauce combined with perfectly cooked chicken makes this recipe irresistibly delicious. Whether you serve it with a side of rice, pasta, or simply enjoy it on its own, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a quick and tasty meal.

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