Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

$For this dish, you will need: - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat) These main ingredients make a flavorful base for the garlic butter chicken bites. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the butter and garlic add rich taste. Herbs like thyme enhance the dish's aroma. To make this dish even better, consider these options: - Fresh lemon zest for brightness - Grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist - Other herbs like oregano or basil for more flavor - A splash of white wine to deglaze the pan Adding these ingredients can elevate your garlic butter chicken bites. They offer unique flavors that complement garlic and butter nicely. If you don't have something on hand, try these swaps: - Olive oil instead of butter for a lighter dish - Chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor - Garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic - Dried thyme if fresh thyme is unavailable These substitutions will keep your recipe tasty and enjoyable. Don't hesitate to experiment with what you have! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Then, season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes if you like heat. Mix the spices well to coat all the pieces. This adds a great flavor to the chicken. Next, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once the butter is bubbling, lay the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir them occasionally to brown all sides. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. Now, lower the heat and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This step is important; you want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt. Then, mix in the fresh thyme and lemon juice. Stir everything well to blend the flavors. Cook for another minute to let the herbs infuse their taste into the dish. After this, your garlic butter sauce will be ready to pour over the chicken. To make the best garlic butter chicken bites, use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs, like thyme and parsley, add great taste. Always cut your chicken into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Season well with salt, pepper, and paprika. The spices bring out the flavor in each bite. If you like heat, add chili flakes. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Cook the chicken bites at medium heat for around 5-7 minutes. This gives them a nice golden color. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's safe to eat. Once the garlic goes in, lower the heat. Cooking garlic too long can make it bitter. Just 1-2 minutes is enough to bring out its rich flavor. Serve your garlic butter chicken bites on a beautiful plate. Drizzle the buttery sauce over the top for extra flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Pair them with rice or fresh veggies to make a full meal. For a fun twist, serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Drinks like iced tea or lemonade work well with this dish. Enjoy the blend of flavors in every bite! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly, so opt for fresh whenever possible. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and a nice golden crust. Perfect Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking; it should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the skillet, as the buttery sauce and garlic flavors will be at their peak. {{image_2}} To make spicy garlic butter chicken bites, add more heat. Use extra chili flakes or add hot sauce. You can also use jalapeños for a fresh twist. Spice levels can suit your taste, so feel free to adjust. This version gives a nice kick to the dish. Herbs can elevate the flavor of garlic butter chicken bites. Try using rosemary, basil, or oregano. Fresh herbs add a nice touch. You can mix different herbs to find a blend you love. This adds depth and freshness to each bite. You can cook garlic butter chicken bites in different ways. Grilling gives a smoky flavor. Simply marinate the chicken as per the recipe and grill until cooked through. Baking is another great method. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake on a lined sheet for about 15-20 minutes. Each method gives a unique taste, so try them all! To keep your garlic butter chicken bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them to room temperature first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Place the chicken bites in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Heat until warm, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If you want to save the chicken bites for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites can last up to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When ready to eat, just reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. The bites will still be tasty and full of flavor! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw it first in the fridge or microwave. Once thawed, cut it into bite-sized pieces. The cooking time may change slightly, so ensure the chicken is cooked through, reaching 165°F. These chicken bites pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - A fresh garden salad - Rice or quinoa for a hearty meal - Pasta tossed in olive oil or garlic sauce Feel free to mix and match based on what you like! This blog post covered how to make tasty garlic butter chicken bites. We explored key ingredients and other options for extra flavor. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions to ensure perfect bites. You learned tips for cooking times and serving ideas. We also discussed different versions and how to store leftovers. In closing, garlic butter chicken bites are easy and fun to make. With the right ingredients and methods, you can impress anyone at your table.$

Delicious chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

Season the chicken breast pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes if using. Make sure the pieces are evenly coated.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Add the thyme and lemon juice, stirring well to combine all the flavors. Allow it to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve on a beautiful plate with fresh veggies or rice.

Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, quick meal