Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
If you are looking for a dish that delivers on rich flavor, irresistible aroma, and quick preparation, the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tender, juicy morsels of chicken sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together. Every bite is packed with buttery goodness complemented by the savory punch of fresh garlic and a hint of fresh parsley that adds just the right pop of color and freshness. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving comfort food with a gourmet touch, this recipe will become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of everyday ingredients work harmoniously to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that signature silky, garlicky coating and perfectly seared chicken that makes the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe so special.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds): These provide moistness and tenderness that chicken breasts often lack, perfect for bite-sized cooking.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances natural chicken flavor and balances the richness of the butter sauce.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat that complements the garlic’s pungency without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): The star ingredient for that silky, rich sauce that coats each bite beautifully.
- Garlic cloves, chopped (4 to 6): Infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma and bold flavor that’s impossible to resist.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds brightness and a lovely green contrast, making the dish more visually appealing and fresh-tasting.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start by trimming any excess bits of fat from the chicken thighs. Then cut the chicken into approximately 1 1/2-inch pieces. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels; this crucial step helps the chicken sear perfectly without steaming. Season all sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to build a flavorful base.
Step 2: Heat the skillet and sear chicken
Preheat a large 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium heat, allowing it to warm for about 3 minutes for an even sear. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and wait until it starts sizzling and browning slightly—that’s your cue to add the chicken bites in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. This ensures they get a beautiful crust rather than steaming.
Step 3: Sear the chicken on one side
Resist the urge to move the chicken around. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes so it can develop a gorgeously browned crust. You’ll notice the chicken turning opaque about two-thirds of the way through. This stage locks in juices and creates irresistible texture.
Step 4: Flip and finish cooking
Use tongs or a spatula to flip each piece carefully. Continue searing the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring the chicken cooks through to an internal temperature of at least 165ºF. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl or plate to rest while you make the garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Prepare garlic butter sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Toss in the chopped garlic and sauté gently. Use a wooden spatula to scrape up all the caramelized bits stuck to the pan—the flavor goldmine! Cook the garlic just until fragrant and no longer raw, around 2 to 3 minutes, but be careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
Step 6: Toss chicken in garlic butter
Remove the skillet from heat, then return the cooked chicken bites to the pan. Toss everything thoroughly so that each piece is coated evenly with the luscious garlic butter sauce, making every bite irresistibly flavorful.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer the coated chicken bites to a serving dish. If you like, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best — warm, buttery, and bursting with garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a simple yet effective garnish that adds just the right tint of green and freshness to balance the richness of the butter. For an extra touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten up the flavors beautifully. Some red pepper flakes are perfect if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, which soak up all the garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans provide a crisp contrast to the tender chicken. A simple garden salad with vinaigrette also complements the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual appetizer setup, thread the chicken bites onto wooden skewers for easy serving. You can also serve over a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside buttered noodles for a more substantial meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative—the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is versatile and indulgent enough to shine in any presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic butter chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before sealing the container to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to save the chicken bites for a later date, they freeze quite well. Arrange the cooked and cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and use within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently to preserve tenderness. The best way is to warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra butter or olive oil if needed to restore the luscious sauce. Microwaving is possible but can make the chicken a bit rubbery, so be sure to cover loosely and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but since they are leaner, be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness. Thighs provide more moisture and a richer flavor, which is why they are preferred for the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better. However, if you only have salted butter, you can use that but consider reducing the added kosher salt slightly during seasoning.
How do I know when the chicken bites are fully cooked?
The safest method is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165ºF. The chicken will also turn opaque and have a firm texture when cooked through.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! While the simplicity of garlic, butter, and parsley shines here, you can experiment with thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. Just add them during the sauce-making step or sprinkle on at the end.
What can I do if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
A heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet works just as well. The key is even, steady heat to achieve that beautiful sear, so avoid non-stick pans as they don’t produce the same fond for the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create incredibly delicious comfort food. It’s quick, approachable, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Don’t hesitate to try making it soon—you might just find your newest favorite chicken dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces of boneless chicken thighs seared to golden perfection in a skillet and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer. Garnished with fresh parsley, these chicken bites deliver rich, buttery, savory flavors with a crisp, browned exterior and succulent interior.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim off any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into approximately 1 1/2-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season evenly on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the skillet and sear chicken: Turn on your range hood if available. Heat a large (12-inch) stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter is sizzling and starting to brown, arrange the chicken bites in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Sear the chicken on one side: Without moving the pieces, allow the chicken to sear until it turns opaque about two-thirds of the way through and forms a well-browned crust on the bottom, which takes about 4 minutes.
- Flip and finish cooking: Use tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken pieces over. Sear the other side until well-browned and fully cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes, making sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165ºF. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl or plate.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the chopped garlic. Sauté gently, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spatula. Cook the garlic until fragrant and no longer raw but not browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toss chicken in garlic butter: Remove the skillet from heat. Return the chicken bites to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the garlic butter chicken bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites compared to chicken breast.
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
- Monitor garlic carefully and cook on medium-low to avoid burning it, which can make it bitter.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165ºF to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a fresh, bright flavor and color to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
