Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and delicious dish that will elevate your dinner table. These tender chicken bites, infused with garlic and butter, come together in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this recipe’s standout qualities include its rich flavor and easy preparation. You can serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even a party snack—versatile enough for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon juice creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the chicken.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal.
• Simple Ingredients: With common pantry staples, you won’t need to make a special trip to the store.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or gatherings; everyone will love these savory bites.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Skillet
• Spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing the chicken with oil and seasonings thoroughly.
• Skillet: A good-quality skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken.
• Spatula: Ideal for flipping the chicken without damaging its tender texture.

Ingredients

Garlic chicken bites are tender, flavorful, and ready in 20 minutes! Made with chunks of chicken breast, garlic, butter and lemon juice.

Chicken Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (divided)
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the prepared chicken breasts with olive oil. Add flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until completely combined.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Swirl it around to coat the pan evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Space them evenly apart. Do not disturb for about 3 minutes until they appear nearly cooked through.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking

Flip each piece of chicken over and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Step 5: Remove Chicken from Pan

Take the cooked chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 6: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the skillet’s heat to medium-low. Add the remaining butter to melt while using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 7: Add Garlic

Add minced garlic to the melted butter in the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 8: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.

Step 9: Toss and Serve

Toss everything together to fully coat each piece of chicken in that delicious garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you want a quick meal or an impressive dish for guests, these bites will surely impress.

With Pasta

• Creamy Fettuccine – Toss the chicken bites with creamy fettuccine for a rich, satisfying meal.
• Pesto Penne – Mix with pesto penne for a fresh twist that enhances the garlic flavor.

On a Salad

• Caesar Salad – Top a classic Caesar salad with garlic chicken bites for added protein and flavor.
• Greek Salad – Pair with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta for a refreshing Mediterranean option.

In Tacos

• Soft Tacos – Fill soft tortillas with chicken bites, avocado, and salsa for a fun twist.
• Crunchy Tacos – Use crispy taco shells loaded with garlic chicken and your favorite toppings.

As Appetizers

• Skewers – Thread the chicken bites onto skewers for easy serving at parties.
• With Dipping Sauce – Serve with ranch or garlic aioli for a flavorful appetizer.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

For perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, follow these essential tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the flavor significantly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Space out the chicken pieces in the skillet to ensure even cooking.
• Monitor Temperature – Keep an eye on the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
• Adjust Seasoning – Feel free to tweak salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
• Let it Rest – Allow cooked chicken to rest briefly before serving to retain juices.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Pair your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with delightful side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread – A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the buttery flavor of the chicken bites.
2. Steamed Broccoli – This nutritious side adds color and balances out the richness of the dish.
3. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes bring a hearty element that everyone loves.
4. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf absorbs any leftover sauce beautifully and adds texture.
5. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the tender chicken bites.
6. Sauteed Spinach – Lightly sautéed spinach adds vitamins and pairs well with garlic flavors.
7. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad brings health benefits while complementing the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.

• Skipping the marinade: Not letting the chicken sit in olive oil and seasonings means missing out on flavor. Marinate for at least 10 minutes before cooking.
• Crowding the pan: Placing too many chicken pieces in the skillet will steam rather than sauté them. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Ignoring cooking temperature: Cooking on too high heat can burn the garlic and lead to unevenly cooked chicken. Keep it at medium heat for best results.
• Not checking doneness: Failing to check the internal temperature could result in undercooked chicken. Always ensure it reaches 165 degrees F for safety.
• Omitting fresh herbs: Skipping parsley or other fresh herbs could make your dish less vibrant. Fresh herbs add color and freshness, so don’t skip them!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to label with dates.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.

What are Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender pieces of chicken breast sautéed in garlic and butter, making them flavorful and quick to prepare.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or shrimp for different flavors while using the same garlic butter sauce.

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites spicier?

To add some heat, include crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce during cooking for a spicy kick.

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a few hours before cooking or even prepare the entire dish and store it until ready to reheat.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

These bites pair nicely with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites offer a delightful blend of flavors that make them perfect for dinner any night of the week. Their quick prep time allows for spontaneous meal planning, while customization options enable you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences. We encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with different spices and sides!