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- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Garlic: 6 cloves minced - Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted - Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme The main ingredients for Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are simple yet flavorful. I use one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut cooks quickly and stays juicy. Next, I add six cloves of minced garlic. Garlic gives the dish its wonderful aroma and taste. For richness, I use four tablespoons of unsalted butter. It melts nicely and enhances the chicken's flavor. I season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Paprika adds a mild warmth, while thyme brings a hint of earthiness. - Fresh parsley for garnish - Lemon wedges for serving Fresh parsley brightens the dish's look and taste. I chop two tablespoons and sprinkle it on top before serving. Lemon wedges are perfect on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a zesty kick that complements the garlic butter. These ingredients come together to make a dish that is both easy and delicious. Each bite delivers rich flavors and a hint of brightness from the lemon. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Pat dry chicken pieces and season. Start by using paper towels to dry the chicken. This helps it brown well. Then, sprinkle paprika, salt, and black pepper on the chicken. Make sure each piece is covered evenly. - Heat butter in a skillet. Place a large skillet on medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Watch for it to foam; that means it is ready for cooking. - Cook chicken bites in skillet until golden. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes without stirring. This allows one side to turn a nice golden brown. After that, flip the chicken pieces over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Ensure they are fully cooked and no longer pink. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C. - Add garlic and sauté to fragrant perfection. Once the chicken is cooked through, lower the heat. Add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it turns fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as that can ruin the flavor. - Toss with thyme and parsley. Sprinkle dried thyme over the chicken mixture. Stir gently to mix, making sure every piece is coated in that tasty garlic butter. - Serve with lemon wedges for added freshness. Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the chicken bites to a serving platter. Add lemon wedges to the side. Guests can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken for a bright, zesty flavor. - Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. - Use a meat thermometer. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. - Adjust seasoning to fit your taste. More salt or pepper can really change the dish. - Try adding herbs or spices. Rosemary or cayenne can add a fun twist. These small steps can elevate your Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Enjoy the process! Pro Tips Pat the Chicken Dry: This helps to achieve a better sear and golden color on the chicken bites. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in a single layer ensures even cooking and browning. Serve Immediately: These chicken bites are best enjoyed fresh off the stove to maintain their juicy texture. {{image_4}} You can easily change the main protein in this dish. For a seafood twist, swap chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast and absorbs flavors well. If you prefer a plant-based option, use tofu instead. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking. Another option is to use ghee instead of butter. Ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. This change works well if you want a deeper taste or are lactose-intolerant. To customize the heat level, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This small change can bring warmth without overpowering the dish. If you like different herbs, try using oregano or basil. These herbs add a unique twist and can elevate the flavor profile. Experimenting with these variations can help you find your favorite version of garlic butter chicken bites. Don't hesitate to mix and match to suit your taste! After you enjoy your Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, store any leftovers in the fridge. Make sure they cool down to room temperature first. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Use airtight containers to prevent air from getting in. This keeps your chicken bites fresh for up to three days. To reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Stir it gently until warm. This method keeps the flavor and texture nice. If you use the microwave, set it to medium power. Heat in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds. This way, you avoid drying out the chicken. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make these garlic butter chicken bites ahead of time. Cook the chicken as directed, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove. This keeps the chicken juicy. What sides pair well with garlic butter chicken bites? These chicken bites go well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic mashed potatoes - Steamed broccoli - Rice pilaf - Crisp salad - Roasted vegetables These sides complement the rich flavors of the chicken. Can I double the recipe for a party? Absolutely! Doubling the recipe works well. Just use two pounds of chicken. You may need to cook it in batches. This way, the chicken can brown nicely without overcrowding the pan. How to make it gluten-free or dairy-free? To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your butter is gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter. The taste will still be great, and you won’t miss the dairy! This blog post shared a tasty garlic butter chicken bites recipe. You learned about the main ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking process. We discussed tips for cooking perfectly and ways to enhance flavor. You also found variations and storage info to keep leftovers fresh. In summary, you can enjoy this dish in many ways. Get creative with ingredients and flavors. Enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with loved ones!

Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Quick and flavorful chicken bites cooked in garlic butter, perfect for a delicious meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season the chicken evenly with paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
  • Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and begin to foam, indicating it's ready for cooking.
  • Carefully add the seasoned chicken bites to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes without stirring, allowing one side to develop a nice golden brown color. Flip the chicken pieces over and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  • Once the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown, being cautious not to let the garlic burn.
  • Sprinkle the dried thyme over the chicken mixture and gently stir to combine, ensuring each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the aromatic garlic butter.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and toss the chicken bites with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and flavor.
  • Transfer the garlic butter chicken bites onto a serving platter and accompany with lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice for a zesty enhancement.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the chicken bites in a cast-iron skillet or on a rustic wooden board, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices.
Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, quick meal