15-minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bite Recipe

Are you looking for a quick, flavorful meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes? This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, a last-minute dinner party, or a simple, satisfying lunch. With minimal ingredients and an easy cooking process, these juicy, tender chicken bites are packed with rich garlic butter flavor, making them a family favorite. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

This recipe is not only fast but also incredibly flavorful. The combination of aromatic garlic, savory herbs, and rich butter creates a mouth-watering sauce that coats tender, golden chicken bites. It’s also versatile, meaning you can serve it with various sides, from a fresh salad to fluffy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers a satisfying meal every time.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Here’s everything you need to make this quick and delicious chicken dish. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures:

• 20 oz (1 ¼ lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for extra juiciness.
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps to lightly coat the chicken and create a crispy exterior.
• ½ tsp dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
• ½ tsp dried basil: Enhances the aroma with its slightly sweet and minty taste.
• ½ tsp paprika: Provides a mild smoky flavor and a pop of color.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances the flavors and seasons the chicken bites.
• Freshly ground pepper to taste: Adds a bit of heat and sharpness.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden brown.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Divided into two portions, this creates the rich, buttery sauce.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a robust garlic flavor.
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley: Adds freshness and a burst of color at the end.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To prepare these delicious chicken bites, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan: For evenly cooking the chicken.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
• Tongs or spatula: To flip the chicken bites while cooking.
• Mixing bowl: For tossing the chicken with flour and herbs.
• Measuring spoons: To ensure the right balance of herbs and spices.

How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Making this recipe is as easy as it is quick! Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken bites.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by drying the chicken breasts with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear. Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, add the chicken pieces along with the flour, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to develop a golden brown crust on one side.
4. Flip and Cook: After 3 minutes, flip the chicken pieces using tongs or a spatula. Cook for another 2 minutes until the chicken is nearly done.
5. Add Garlic and Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, serve the garlic butter chicken bites hot. They’re best enjoyed right away to experience the full flavor of the buttery garlic sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: This prevents the chicken from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly, so make sure to watch the timing to avoid dry chicken.
• Not drying the chicken: If the chicken is too wet, it won’t brown as well, and the texture may be off.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making even a simple dish like this one look gourmet. Try serving your garlic butter chicken bites on a clean white plate, garnished with a bit of extra fresh parsley for color contrast. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

You can also serve these chicken bites as an appetizer with toothpicks for dipping in extra garlic butter sauce or a light aioli.

Variations and Swaps

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a more flavorful and juicier option.
• Vegetables: Add a handful of broccoli or bell peppers to the skillet halfway through cooking for a quick stir-fry.
• Spices: Spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for some heat.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though we doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter to keep the chicken tender and moist.

You can also freeze the cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm them in a pan with a little butter or olive oil.

What to Pair with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Wondering what to serve with these tasty chicken bites? Here are some ideas:

• Mashed potatoes: The buttery sauce pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes.
• Steamed vegetables: Lighten up the meal by adding steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• Rice or quinoa: Serve the chicken bites over fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all that garlic butter goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed and dried before cooking to ensure even cooking and a nice sear.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the chicken bites are best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or rice flour.

Conclusion

This 15-minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is the perfect quick and easy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With its crispy, tender chicken bites coated in rich garlic butter, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family. If you loved this recipe, be sure to subscribe to the blog for more delicious, easy-to-make dishes!

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