Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe: Flavor in Every Bite

Crispy, golden garlic butter chicken bites promise a mouthwatering adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Succulent pieces of chicken transform into irresistible morsels bursting with rich, savory flavors.

butter and garlic create a magical combination that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each tender bite carries a perfect balance of herbs and seasonings that complement the juicy chicken.

Salt and pepper work their subtle magic, enhancing every delectable morsel.

Quick and easy to prepare, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement directly to your kitchen.

You’ll want to serve these delightful chicken bites with crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Bursting With Flavor

  • Savor Quick Cooking: Prepare this delectable chicken dish in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious.
  • Boost Flavor Profile: Garlic butter creates a rich, mouthwatering coating that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal everyone will love.
  • Master Simple Techniques: No complicated cooking skills required – just basic seasoning and skillet skills make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all levels.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Serve alongside rice, pasta, or salad for a complete dinner that adapts to your family's preferences and hunger levels.

Ingredients To Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender cubed meat that serves as the primary protein for this flavorful dish.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help achieve a golden brown exterior for the chicken.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic: Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural taste and creating a fragrant base.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean garnish to finish the dish.

Cooking Instructions For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Pan

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is evenly coated and hot enough for searing.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over cubed chicken pieces, gently massaging the seasonings into the meat to ensure full coverage.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Carefully place chicken cubes into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust. Cook until chicken is completely done, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Once fully cooked, transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and add freshly minced garlic.

Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and releases its aromatic oils, which should take about 30-45 seconds.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, gently tossing them in the rich garlic butter until each piece is completely coated and glistening.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken bites for a pop of color and additional flavor. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately while warm and sauce is still sizzling.

Tips For Crispy And Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy bites that cook evenly and quickly.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Use freshly minced garlic for the most intense, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Adjust heat to medium-high to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the garlic or chicken.
  • Add red pepper flakes or herbs like thyme for extra depth and personalized flavor profile.

Variations To Try With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Herb-Infused Chicken Bites: Replace parsley with fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic herbal variation.
  • Spicy Garlic Chicken Bites: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a fiery kick.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Use ghee instead of butter and skip any additional seasonings to keep the dish strictly keto-friendly.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Bites: Incorporate lemon zest, oregano, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Ideas For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Flavor Explosion Platter: Spread chicken bites over a large wooden board with crispy toasted bread, fresh lemon wedges, and a small herb dipping sauce for a rustic, shareable experience.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Layer chicken bites over fluffy quinoa or brown rice, topped with roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a balanced, nutritious meal.
  • Party Appetizer Style: Serve bite-sized pieces on small skewers with colorful toothpicks, perfect for cocktail parties or game night gatherings, allowing guests to easily grab and enjoy.
  • Salad Superstar Topping: Scatter warm garlic butter chicken over a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette for a protein-packed lunch option.

Storage Advice For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the chicken completely before transferring to the container to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or use a sealed lid to maintain freshness.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work great. Just ensure you cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece and ensure there’s no pink in the center.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just confirm your seasonings and butter are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites and reheat them gently in a skillet with a bit of butter to maintain moisture and flavor.

Print
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Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken bites blend Italian and American culinary traditions with simple ingredients. Quick skillet preparation delivers irresistible flavor combinations you’ll savor until the last delicious morsel.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed

Fats and Oils:

  • 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, preparing for a golden-crusted chicken experience.
  2. Generously season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior for approximately 6-8 minutes.
  4. Verify chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a clean plate.
  5. Reduce heat and melt butter in the same skillet, introducing minced garlic and allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the pan for 30-45 seconds.
  6. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, gently tumbling pieces to envelop them in the luxurious garlic butter sauce.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the glistening chicken bites for a vibrant finish and herbaceous note.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter, ensuring each morsel is coated with the fragrant garlic butter sauce.

Notes

  • Keep chicken pieces similar in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Use high-quality butter for richer, more intense garlic butter flavor.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispy exterior.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet to prevent steaming and promote proper caramelization.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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