15-minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bite Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner, this 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is your answer. With minimal ingredients, it’s packed with deliciously seasoned chicken, coated in a buttery garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or when you’re in need of a fast meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy, making it ideal for those who are short on time. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful dish in only 15 minutes. The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs gives the chicken bites an irresistible flavor. It’s also versatile—serve them over rice, with a side of vegetables, or as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Chicken Breasts: This recipe uses 20 oz (1 ¼ lb) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which cook quickly and stay tender. You can also substitute chicken thighs if you prefer.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): A light dusting of flour helps the chicken develop a golden crust when cooked.
• Dried Oregano (½ tsp): Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the chicken bites.
• Dried Basil (½ tsp): Basil pairs beautifully with garlic and butter, giving the chicken a fragrant taste.
• Paprika (½ tsp): For a mild smokiness and color, paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor.
• Salt (½ tsp) & Freshly Ground Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken properly.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for sautéing the chicken and adding a rich taste.
• Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp): Butter forms the base of the delicious sauce. It adds richness and a slightly nutty flavor when browned.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is key to the bold flavor in this dish.
• Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the garlic butter.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them develop a nice sear when cooked. Then, cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, ensuring they cook evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss the chicken until evenly coated with the flour and seasonings. This step adds a light crust when cooking.
3. Heat the Skillet: Use a large cast-iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat, and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Wait until the oil is hot, and the butter is melted before adding the chicken.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add Garlic and Butter: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Stir everything together, letting the garlic cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, without letting it burn.
6. Serve Immediately: Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), serve it immediately. The garlic butter sauce will be deliciously coating each chicken bite.

Tips for Choosing the Right Chicken for the Recipe

Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, which is essential for this fast-paced recipe. However, if you prefer a slightly richer flavor, you can substitute with chicken thighs. Just be mindful that thighs take a bit longer to cook than breasts.

The Key to Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce

The combination of butter and garlic is what makes this dish so flavorful. To get the perfect garlic butter sauce:

• Use unsalted butter: This allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Don’t burn the garlic: After adding garlic to the pan, make sure to lower the heat to medium to avoid burning it. Burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter.
• Add the garlic at the end: This keeps the garlic’s flavor fresh and strong, without overcooking it.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Cast-Iron Skillet: For evenly searing the chicken and creating a good crust.
• Tongs: For easily flipping the chicken without tearing the pieces.
• Garlic Press: To mince the garlic quickly and evenly.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Bites

• Overcrowding the pan: Make sure to spread the chicken in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on it. Cook it just long enough to release its aroma.
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken can become tough and dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

These garlic butter chicken bites are not only tasty but can be plated beautifully for any occasion. Here are a few serving ideas:

• On a bed of rice: Spoon the chicken bites and garlic butter sauce over steamed rice for a simple but delicious meal.
• With roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or steamed veggies for a complete and healthy dinner.
• As a party appetizer: Stick toothpicks into the chicken bites and serve them as an appetizer for gatherings.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also microwave the chicken, but be careful not to overcook it, as this may cause the chicken to dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. Keep in mind they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? While the chicken is best served fresh, you can cook the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat to maintain the flavor and moisture.

What can I serve with garlic butter chicken bites? This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. It can also be served in sandwiches or wraps.

Conclusion

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