Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

If you're looking for a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, look no further than these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. This dish is the perfect blend of juicy chicken, rich butter, and savory garlic, making it an instant favorite. Keep reading to discover all the ingredients, variations, cooking tips, and how to present your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in the best way possible!

this Recipe

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What Are Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, sautéed in a mouth-watering combination of garlic, butter, and seasonings. The recipe is incredibly easy to make, comes together in less than 30 minutes, and can be adapted in multiple ways to suit your taste. Whether you're making them for a light dinner or as finger food for a party, these little bites of flavor are sure to impress.

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Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

To get started with your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, you'll need the following basic ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into small bite-sized cubes for quick cooking.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Butter adds a rich flavor, and it’s essential for that luscious garlic sauce.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is key here for the best flavor. If you love garlic, you can add more!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sear the chicken and prevents the butter from burning.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds color and a hint of smokiness to the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme – A little earthy herb flavor to balance the richness of the butter.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Basic seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – A splash of acidity brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
• Fresh parsley for garnish – Optional, but adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts: If you prefer juicier, more flavorful chicken, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully.
• Add some heat: If you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper along with the paprika.
• Garlic powder for fresh garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. However, fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
• Herb swaps: Feel free to swap the thyme for rosemary, oregano, or basil. Each herb gives the chicken a different flavor profile.
• Keto-friendly: To make this recipe even more keto-friendly, serve these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice or a leafy green salad.
• Lemon zest for lemon juice: If you’re out of lemons, a sprinkle of lemon zest will still give you that tangy flavor without the extra liquid.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme until all pieces are coated evenly.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid steaming the chicken.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Let it melt and then stir in the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.
5. Combine Chicken with Garlic Butter: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce to coat each piece evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.
6. Add Lemon Juice and Garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

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How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cutting and Seasoning the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat off the chicken breasts. Then, cut them into small, even-sized cubes. Toss the chicken in paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

2. Searing the Chicken Perfectly

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken so that it sears beautifully. Let the chicken cook without moving it too much to achieve a golden-brown crust.

3. Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

Remove the chicken from the skillet and lower the heat to medium. Add butter, followed by minced garlic. Stir constantly to prevent burning while the butter turns fragrant and golden.

4. Finishing Touches

Once the garlic butter is ready, reintroduce the chicken bites to the pan, tossing to coat. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Pan: One of the most common mistakes when cooking chicken bites is overcrowding the pan. This leads to steaming rather than searing, which prevents the chicken from developing that desirable crispy exterior.
2. Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks very quickly, and if you’re not careful, it can burn easily, turning bitter. Be sure to lower the heat when cooking the garlic in the butter and keep an eye on it.
3. Using Cold Chicken: If your chicken is too cold straight from the fridge, it won’t cook evenly. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking.
4. Skipping the Lemon Juice: While optional, the lemon juice adds a fresh tang that cuts through the richness of the butter and garlic, making the dish more balanced. Don’t skip it!

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Skewers for appetizers: Thread the chicken bites onto small skewers for easy handling, making them a great party snack.
• Serve with dipping sauces: Offer a side of garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for added flavor.
• Garnish with lemon slices: Placing a few lemon slices on the side not only looks beautiful but encourages guests to add a bit more zing to their bites.

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How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

These chicken bites are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a variety of sides for a complete meal:

• On a bed of rice: Serve the garlic butter chicken over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a hearty meal.
• With vegetables: Pair it with sautéed or roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or zucchini for a low-carb option.
• As a salad topper: Add the chicken bites to a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a light, satisfying meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

The way you present your food makes a big difference in the overall dining experience. Here are some presentation ideas to make your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites look as good as they taste:

• Serve on a wooden board: For a rustic feel, serve the chicken bites on a large wooden cutting board with small bowls of dipping sauces.
• Cast iron skillet: Present the chicken in the same skillet you cooked them in to emphasize the dish’s warm and homey feel.
• Garnish creatively: Top the chicken with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives, and a few lemon wedges for extra color and freshness.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe Tips

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, especially parsley, can brighten the dish and add layers of flavor. While dried thyme is fine for seasoning, finishing with fresh herbs adds a burst of freshness.
• Deglaze the pan: If you find the garlic butter sauce sticking a bit to the pan, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, lifting up all those flavorful bits.
• Let the chicken rest: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites ahead of time and reheat them gently in a skillet. However, they taste best when freshly made.

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While margarine can be used, it won’t provide the same rich flavor as real butter. We recommend sticking with butter for the best results.

Q: What can I serve with these chicken bites?
A: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or even as a topping for pasta or salad.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?
A: Be sure not to overcook the chicken. Cook just until it reaches 165°F (74°C), and consider using chicken thighs for juicier meat.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Packed with bold flavors of garlic, butter, and herbs, they are sure to become a family favorite. With endless variations and serving options, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a party appetizer. Try out this recipe today, and don’t forget to make it your own with your favorite seasonings and sides!

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