Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

$- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped The key to great garlic butter chicken bites starts with simple, fresh ingredients. You need chicken that is both tender and juicy. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and absorb all the flavors. Butter is essential for richness. Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. It adds a bold flavor that makes this dish shine. Smoked paprika brings warmth, while Italian seasoning adds depth. Always season with salt and pepper. This enhances all the flavors. The juice of one lemon adds a bright note. It balances the richness of the butter. For the final touch, fresh parsley adds a pop of color. It also gives a fresh taste. When you chop it, make sure it's fine for even distribution. With these ingredients, you're ready to make a dish that is both juicy and full of flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Melt the butter in a skillet Start with a large skillet. Place it on medium-high heat. Add four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Wait until the butter melts and starts to foam. This step builds a rich flavor base. 2. Sauté minced garlic Next, add five cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Stir it gently as it cooks. 3. Add chicken and seasonings Now, toss in one pound of bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of smoked paprika, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with those flavors. 4. Cook until golden brown Cook the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, watching for it to turn golden brown. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. 5. Add lemon juice and combine Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the cooked chicken. Stir to combine everything well. Let the flavors meld together for an extra minute on the heat. 6. Garnish and serve Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Now, your garlic butter chicken bites are ready to enjoy! To make tender chicken bites, start with fresh, high-quality chicken. Cut the chicken into even pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the butter. Choose a heavy skillet for best results. Non-stick or cast iron works well. For side dishes, I love pairing these bites with steamed broccoli or rice. You can also serve them with a fresh salad. For presentation, use a large platter. Drizzle extra garlic butter over the chicken. Scatter chopped parsley on top for color. This makes the dish look inviting. Avoid burning the garlic. Cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Overcooking will make it bitter. Also, check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer ensures safety and doneness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced varieties. Always opt for fresh for the best taste! Check Chicken Temperature: Ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety and optimal tenderness. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more succulent. Pair with Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the dish's flavor. Feel free to experiment with different herbs as a garnish! {{image_2}} You can make garlic butter chicken bites even tastier. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs add a nice twist. You can also experiment with spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. If you want a different protein, swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and absorbs flavors well. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Just make sure you press it to remove extra water. You can cook garlic butter chicken bites in different ways. Baking them in the oven is easy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. The bites will be crispy and flavorful. Using an air fryer is another great method. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken bites for about 10-12 minutes. This method keeps them juicy with a nice crunch. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular. This keeps the flavor while making it safe for gluten-sensitive folks. For low-carb diets, skip the rice and serve the chicken over a salad instead. You can add fresh veggies for extra crunch and nutrients. These adjustments help you enjoy the dish while sticking to your diet. To keep your garlic butter chicken bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. The chicken will last in the fridge for up to three days. This helps retain the flavor and moisture. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, I recommend using a skillet. Heat a little butter over low heat, then add the chicken. Stir gently to avoid drying it out. You can also use a microwave, but cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This keeps the chicken moist while reheating. To freeze your garlic butter chicken bites, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Cook them on the stovetop until heated through for the best results. You can tell the chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. It should read at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece. The meat should be white, not pink. Yes, you can make garlic butter chicken bites ahead of time. Cook the chicken bites and let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating. Garlic butter chicken bites pair well with many sides. You can serve them with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Rice is also a great choice; it soaks up the garlic butter nicely. A fresh salad with a light dressing complements the dish well. Try serving with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. You now know how to make garlic butter chicken bites. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations, storage, and common mistakes to avoid. Armed with this info, you can cook up a tasty dish every time. Try it out, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your perfect meal is just a recipe away! Enjoy your cooking, and share this delicious dish with friends and family!$

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Delicious chicken bites cooked in garlic butter with a hint of lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon juice of

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until it starts to foam.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Toss in the chicken pieces, and sprinkle with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices and garlic.
Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken bites, and stir to combine, letting the flavors meld for an additional minute.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken bites on a platter or individual plates, drizzled with extra garlic butter from the skillet. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Keyword butter, chicken, easy, garlic, quick