Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection in a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce. Quick to prepare and made with simple, everyday ingredients, these flavorful bites combine crispy edges with moist, buttery interiors. Perfect as a family-friendly appetizer or main dish, they are versatile and adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless chicken into bite-sized, evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate and stay tender throughout.
- Season the Bites: Generously season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on all sides, laying the foundation for flavor in every bite.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium low, then add butter and minced garlic to the pan, stirring to coat the chicken evenly while the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
- Finish Cooking and Garnish: Allow the chicken to cook through in the buttery sauce for another 3 to 4 minutes, then remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use Thighs for Moisture: Chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy than breasts, especially with quick cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leaving space between pieces ensures a nice sear instead of steaming.
- Fresh Garlic is Key: Use fresh minced garlic rather than powdered or pre-minced for the best aroma and flavor.
- Control the Heat: Keep the heat moderate when adding garlic to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest a minute off the heat to allow juices to redistribute evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, chicken bites, quick chicken recipe, family friendly chicken, gluten free chicken, skillet chicken