Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pieces of chicken are seared until golden, then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that pairs well with rice, pasta, or vegetables. This dish cooks in under 20 minutes and uses simple pantry ingredients, making it an ideal go-to recipe.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan.
5. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring it does not burn.
6. Add lemon juice if using, then toss the chicken to coat it evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
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Description
This dish features juicy, seared chicken pieces enveloped in a silky garlic butter sauce with subtle smoky paprika and bright herbs. It is satisfying on its own or served with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
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Tips
Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed to achieve good browning.
Use fresh garlic for the most aromatic flavor.
If using salted butter, reduce added salt.
Add a splash of chicken broth for extra sauce.
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Variations
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning.
Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
Herb-Forward: Replace parsley with basil, rosemary, or thyme.
Lemon-Garlic: Increase lemon juice and add a bit of lemon zest.
Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.
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Common Mistakes and Corrections
Chicken turns out dry: Cook on higher heat for shorter time; remove from heat once internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Garlic burns: Add garlic after the butter melts and lower the heat to medium. Burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Soggy chicken: Ensure chicken is dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Not enough flavor: Increase garlic, add more butter, or finish with a sprinkle of salt and lemon juice.
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Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites hot and enjoy a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that works for weeknights, meal prep, or a quick family dinner.