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I’m excited to share my easy chicken recipe for busy weeknights. These garlic butter chicken bites are great for a quick dinner or appetizer. They are tender chicken pieces, golden-brown, and in a rich garlic butter sauce. Yum!
This dish is quick to make, taking only 15 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy evenings. It can be a main course or a tasty appetizer. With simple prep and ingredients, you get lots of flavor fast.
Add this meal to your regular menu. Your taste buds will love it!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love cooking with fresh ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty garlic butter chicken bites:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for a juicier bite
- Use cornstarch or potato flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option
- Replace Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
- Substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic in a pinch
- Try lemon-pepper seasoning instead of separate lemon and pepper for a zesty kick
Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Feel free to double up on the parsley if you’re a herb lover like me!
Instructions
I start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This makes sure it gets a perfect golden-brown crust. Then, I coat the chicken with spices to make it tasty.
Next, I heat a skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, I add the chicken. It’s important not to put too much chicken in the pan.
I cook the chicken for about 5-8 minutes, flipping it every 2-3 minutes. This makes sure it gets a nice golden crust on all sides.
After the chicken is browned, I add garlic butter sauce to the skillet. The smell is amazing! I let it cook in the sauce for 1-3 minutes more.
To make sure it’s safe to eat, I check the chicken’s temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be 165°F (74°C). This makes sure the chicken is cooked right and stays juicy.
Tip: For extra flavor, you can baste the chicken with the garlic butter sauce as it cooks.
Once the chicken is done, I take it off the heat and let it rest. This lets the juices spread out, making the chicken moist and tasty.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I love meal prep, and these garlic butter chicken bites are perfect for it! I make sure my pan is hot before adding the chicken. This makes the bites golden-brown and yummy.
Try the “mounting” technique for great results. After cooking, add cold butter to the sauce. This makes the sauce smooth and tasty, like in a restaurant.
Leftovers are easy with this dish. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do it gently to keep the chicken from getting tough.
- Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety
- Use a non-stick pan for easy cleanup
- Cut chicken into equal-sized pieces for even cooking
These cooking tips make a simple dish special. With the right storage and reheating, you’ll enjoy these tasty bites for days!
“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love to try new flavors in my garlic butter chicken bites. For a zesty taste, I add fresh lemon juice right before serving. It makes the chicken taste bright and citrusy, which goes well with the garlic butter sauce.
At times, I mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for more flavor. These herbs add an aromatic twist to the dish.
When I want a full meal, I serve these bites over rice or pasta. The sauce gets into the grains, making it even tastier. Or, for a lighter meal, I serve them with steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus. These veggies balance the savory chicken well.
These chicken bites are also perfect as appetizers. I put them on toothpicks and arrange them on a platter for parties. They always get eaten fast! For sides, I make a quick lemon couscous or a crisp green salad. And don’t forget some crusty bread to dip in the garlic butter sauce. It’s too delicious to waste!