Get ready to fall head-over-heels in love with these garlic butter chicken bites! Trust me, once that buttery garlic aroma starts floating through your kitchen, you’re going to be completely hooked. These little golden nuggets of heaven are about to become your new obsession!
You really don’t stand a chance against these bite-sized beauties. One taste and you’ll be making them every single week!
Why These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Will Rock Your World
Have you ever craved something that’s crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and bursting with incredible garlic butter chicken flavor? These amazing bites deliver all of that and more!
Picture this: perfectly seasoned chicken pieces, golden brown and crispy, swimming in the most incredible garlic butter sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. Drizzle with fresh herbs and get ready for pure magic!
Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting! These easy chicken bites are the perfect solution when you want something absolutely delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
What Makes This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe So Special
Here’s what I absolutely love about making these garlic butter chicken bites – they’re incredibly foolproof! You don’t need to be a professional chef to create restaurant-quality results. All you need is a good skillet and about 20 minutes of your time.
The secret is in the technique – we’re going to get that perfect golden crust while keeping the inside incredibly juicy and tender. Then we’ll bathe everything in the most incredible butter garlic sauce that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe!
GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN BITES
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Serves: 4 people
INGREDIENTS
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
PREPARATION
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated with seasonings.
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Cook the chicken bites: Add seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed. Let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
- Flip and continue cooking: Turn chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove chicken: Transfer cooked chicken bites to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in fresh thyme and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve: Return chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
The key to getting these chicken bites absolutely perfect is temperature control! You want that skillet hot enough to create a beautiful golden crust but not so hot that the garlic burns and becomes bitter.
Don’t move the chicken around too much once you put it in the pan. Let it develop that gorgeous crust first, then flip. This is what creates that amazing texture contrast we’re after!
How to Store Your Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Store leftover garlic butter chicken bites in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
For the best results, I recommend reheating in the skillet – it helps restore that crispy exterior we worked so hard to achieve!
Can I Freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Absolutely! These chicken bites freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet for best results.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- 387 calories per serving
- 32g protein per serving
- 8g carbs per serving
- 25g fat per serving
Serving Suggestions That’ll Make You Drool
These garlic butter chicken bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. They’re also fantastic tossed with pasta or served alongside roasted vegetables.
For a lighter option, serve them over a fresh garden salad or with some crusty bread for dipping. Trust me, you’ll want to mop up every bit of that garlic butter sauce!
Why This Recipe Works Every Single Time
The magic happens when we combine the perfect seasoning blend with proper cooking technique. That initial sear locks in all the juices while creating an irresistible crust. Then the garlic butter sauce adds layers of flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
The chicken stays incredibly tender and juicy because we’re not overcooking it, and the sauce brings everything together with that rich, buttery finish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for garlic butter chicken bites?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs actually work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be even juicier. They may take an extra minute or two to cook through completely, so just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
How do I know when my garlic butter chicken bites are fully cooked?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Visually, the chicken should be golden brown on all sides with no pink remaining. The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
Can I make garlic butter chicken bites ahead of time?
While these are definitely best served fresh and hot, you can prep the seasoned chicken pieces up to 4 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Cook them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to cut chicken for even cooking?
Cut your chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook at the same rate. If some pieces are much larger than others, the smaller ones might overcook while waiting for the larger pieces to finish.
Can I double this garlic butter chicken bites recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully for feeding a crowd. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear properly.
Make These Tonight – You Won’t Regret It!
Seriously, these garlic butter chicken bites are going to become your new go-to weeknight dinner! They’re quick, easy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Your family is going to be so impressed!
Share your results on my Facebook page – I love seeing your creations! And don’t forget to tag me @OlyviaBestRecipes on Pinterest when you make these amazing chicken bites!
Author: Olyvia T.
