GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN BITES IRRESISTIBLE

I’ll never forget the first time I made these for a party; the bowl of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites was completely empty within minutes, and I was bombarded with requests for the recipe! These little morsels of deliciousness are so easy to whip up, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a culinary triumph – you’re about to make the most addictive chicken appetizer ever!

The Magic of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Alright, friend, let’s talk about why these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are about to become your go-to recipe. Forget complicated dishes with a million ingredients. This recipe is all about simplicity and maximizing flavor with just a few key players. We’re talking juicy, tender chicken coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that will have everyone licking their fingers (and maybe the bowl!).

Why You’ll Fall in Love

• Quick & Easy: Seriously, these come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and perfectly seasoned chicken is simply irresistible.
• Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, a main course over rice or pasta, or even add them to a salad. The possibilities are endless!
• Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love these. They’re always a hit!
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry and fridge.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s a short list! Here’s what you’ll need to create these little bites of heaven:

• Chicken Breast: About 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless. I prefer using chicken breast for its tenderness, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted. Because we’re adding salt later, unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dish.
• Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic! It’s the star of the show. Freshly minced is always best for maximum flavor.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. This helps prevent the butter from burning.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. Adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own.
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon. For a touch of smokiness and color.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Season generously!
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish). Adds a pop of freshness and color. Optional, but highly recommended.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat).

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Chicken Thighs: As mentioned earlier, chicken thighs work great in place of chicken breasts. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat.
• Garlic Powder: In a pinch, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. However, the flavor won’t be quite as intense.
• Dried Parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
• Different Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making the most amazing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites you’ve ever tasted.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First, we need to get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely in the pan. Then, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Make sure every piece is well coated!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan! If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now, for the star of the show – the garlic butter sauce! In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic tastes bitter. Stir constantly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with that incredible garlic butter flavor.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best served hot, but they’re still delicious at room temperature.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Want to take your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic has the best flavor. Avoid using jarred minced garlic, as it can have a slightly metallic taste.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the sauce. Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly.
• Pat the Chicken Dry: Patting the chicken dry before cooking helps it brown nicely in the pan.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the chicken from browning properly. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bite

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:

• Appetizer: Serve them as a party appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
• Main Course: Serve them over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Salad Topping: Add them to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful topping.
• Sandwich Filling: Use them as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
• Tacos: Crumble them up and use them as a filling for tacos.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Want to add a little twist to your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites? Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a bright and zesty flavor.
• Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.
• Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce for a cheesy and savory flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are great for making ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve. Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Looking for the perfect side dishes to complement your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites? Here are a few ideas:

• Rice: Plain white rice, brown rice, or flavored rice like garlic rice or lemon rice.
• Pasta: Simple pasta dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio or Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• Salad: A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with your favorite toppings.
• Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Creamy, dreamy, and totally irresistible!
• Chicken Casserole: A comforting classic that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
• Garlic Butter Mushroom Chicken: Another garlic butter sensation with earthy mushrooms.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A decadent and flavorful pasta dish.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Solutions

Sometimes, even the best recipes can have a few hiccups. Here are some common issues you might encounter when making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and how to fix them:

• Chicken is Dry: You may have overcooked the chicken. Be sure to use a meat thermometer and cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and cause the chicken to dry out.
• Garlic is Burnt: You cooked the garlic over too high of heat. Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent it from burning.
• Sauce is Too Thin: You may have used too much butter. Reduce the amount of butter or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the sauce.
• Sauce is Too Thick: You may have added too much cornstarch. Add a little chicken broth or water to thin the sauce.
• Chicken is Not Browning: You may not have patted the chicken dry enough. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to help it brown properly. Also, make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve.
• How long do leftovers last? Leftover chicken bites will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Can I freeze these? Yes, you can freeze these, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use any type of cooking oil you prefer, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.

Time to Get Cooking!

So there you have it – everything you need to know to make the most amazing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, making them an irresistible appetizer or main course that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Paper towels
• Large Skillet
• Spatula or tongs
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
2. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
7. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
8. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
9. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For best results, use fresh garlic. Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. To make ahead, cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine when ready to serve. Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. This recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months.