- Prep quickly: uniform 1-inch chicken cubes, pat dry, pre-mince garlic and parsley, and measure spices.
- Sear hot then baste low: high-heat oil sear followed by low-heat butter baste locks in juices and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: cook in batches and use cast iron for the best crust and consistent browning.
- Customize easily: try Cajun heat, lemon herb brightness, or creamy Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
There is something primal and deeply satisfying about the sound of meat searing in a hot skillet. These garlic butter chicken bites are the ultimate answer to the dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?” when you have zero energy but crave restaurant-quality flavor. This recipe fits perfectly as a quick weeknight meal that feels luxurious enough to be a festive dish, yet it remains a healthy comfort food option. I have cooked this countless times, and it never fails to impress with its golden crust and rich, aromatic sauce.
Table of contents
The 5-Minute Prep
This recipe moves very fast once the heat is on. To ensure your garlic butter chicken bites are perfect, here is what to prep ahead:
- Uniform Chopping: Cut your chicken into pieces that are exactly the same size (about 1.0 inch). This ensures they all cook at the exact same rate.
- Dry the Meat: Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture creates steam, which prevents browning.
- Pre-Mince Garlic: Chop your garlic and parsley beforehand. You will not have time to chop once the chicken hits the pan.
- Measure Spices: Mix your salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl so you can dump it in all at once.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe Card
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes320
kcalThese golden, tender garlic butter chicken bites are seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, savory garlic herb sauce.
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Ingredients
1.5 pounds Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces)
1.0 tablespoon Olive Oil
3.0 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided)
1.0 teaspoon Salt
0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
1.0 teaspoon Paprika (smoked or sweet)
4.0 cloves Garlic (minced)
1.0 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Directions
- Start by preparing your chicken. Cut the breasts into uniform 1.0-inch chunks. Pat them very dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken and toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil and 1.0 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Wait until the pan is very hot.
- Place the chicken pieces in the skillet in a single layer. You may need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the chicken for 3.0 to 4.0 minutes on one side without moving it. You want a deep golden crust to form.
- Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 2.0 to 3.0 minutes until they are cooked through but still juicy.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 2.0 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the pan.
- Stir constantly for 1.0 minute. The butter will foam and the garlic will become fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
- Toss the chicken thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat immediately.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for an even juicier result. Increase cook time by 2.0 minutes.
- Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove. Smashed whole cloves also work well for a milder infusion.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3.0 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 36g
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Why It’s a Crowd Pleaser
What makes these garlic butter chicken bites superior to other stir-fry style recipes is the specific cooking technique. Most people overcook diced chicken, leaving it rubbery and dry. My method focuses on a high-heat sear followed by a low-heat butter baste. This locks in the juices while ensuring the garlic mellows without burning. The result is a bite that rivals a high-end steakhouse side dish.
This recipe is also incredibly adaptable. It is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. If you are dairy-free, you can easily swap the butter for high-quality ghee or a plant-based butter alternative. To understand the nutritional impact of poultry, check out this guide on chicken breast nutrition. The high protein content keeps you full, while the fats provide satiety.
Pro Tips for Success of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
I have learned that the difference between “good” and “amazing” garlic butter chicken bites lies in the details. Here are my actionable tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. If the pan is too full, the temperature drops and the chicken steams in its own juices instead of searing.
- The Oil-Butter Split: Start with oil for the high-heat sear, and finish with butter for the flavor. Butter burns at high heat, so adding it at the end is crucial.
- Cast Iron is King: Use a cast iron skillet if you have one. It holds heat better than non-stick, creating a superior crust.
- Room Temperature: Let your chicken sit on the counter for 15.0 minutes before cooking. Cold meat seizes up in a hot pan.
For more on why browning creates flavor, read about the Maillard Reaction.
Creative Seasonings
The Cajun Kick
If you want to add some heat to your garlic butter chicken bites, swap the paprika for a dedicated Cajun seasoning blend. Add a splash of hot sauce into the butter right before you toss the chicken. This version pairs incredibly well with dirty rice or roasted corn.
The Lemon Herb Freshness
For a lighter, brighter flavor profile, add 1.0 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1.0 teaspoon of lemon zest when you add the butter. Swap the parsley for fresh chopped rosemary or thyme. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, making it perfect for a summer dinner.
The Creamy Parmesan Style
To make this extra decadent, once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and pour in 0.5 cups of heavy cream and 0.25 cups of grated parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2.0 minutes until thick. This creates a rich alfredo-style coating that clings to every bite.
These chicken bites are the perfect protein to serve on top of my Creamy Mashed Potatoes.
Common Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
To get perfect garlic butter chicken bites, freeze the chicken breast for 15.0 minutes before cutting. This firms up the meat and allows you to slice clean, uniform 1.0-inch cubes without them sliding around.
The secret is high heat and short cooking time. Low heat dries out the meat. Also, resting the meat for 3.0 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute.
Fresh is best for this recipe, but in a pinch, you can use 1.0 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add it with the salt and pepper in the beginning, rather than at the end, so it doesn’t burn.
Dinner is Served
I hope these garlic butter chicken bites become a staple in your home just as they have in mine. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the high-impact flavor makes this a recipe you will turn to again and again. It is proof that you do not need a complicated ingredient list to make a gourmet meal.
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