Chicken Bites In Garlic Butter

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Golden, juicy, and packed with bold garlicky flavor—Chicken Bites in Garlic Butter are a mouthwatering favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Each tender chicken piece is seared to perfection, creating a slightly crispy outside with a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Finished with a savory garlic butter sauce and a touch of fresh herbs, this dish is pure comfort food with a gourmet twist.

What makes these chicken bites irresistible is how quickly they come together without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for tossing over salads, stuffing into wraps, or pairing with rice or roasted veggies, they offer a flexible and delicious solution to mealtime stress. You’ll find yourself coming back to this one again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bites In Garlic Butter

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Serve with pasta, rice, salads, or as a protein snack.
• Kid & Family Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, a hit with all ages.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh chicken.
• Meal Prep Approved: Stores and reheats beautifully for later.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish effortlessly, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This ensures even browning and enough space to cook the chicken without overcrowding.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For cleanly cubing the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for tossing the chicken with seasoning beforehand.
• Tongs or Spatula: Helps turn the chicken bites quickly and safely.
• Garlic Press (Optional): Makes mincing garlic quick and uniform.

Each of these tools helps streamline the prep and cooking process, so you’re not stuck washing extra dishes or fighting uneven cooking.

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Preparation Tips

Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference for lean or juicier meat. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to encourage better browning in the pan. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed to maintain a good sear. Freshly minced garlic makes all the difference, and adding butter toward the end prevents it from burning while still delivering full flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.

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Ingredients for Chicken Bites In Garlic Butter

• 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

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Step 1: Season the Chicken

Place the cubed chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried oregano. Toss everything well to coat each piece evenly with seasoning. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes while your pan heats up. This not only enhances flavor but also helps the spices cling to the meat.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in two batches if necessary. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes before flipping. Continue to cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C).

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Step 3: Add Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the butter to the other side. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—avoid burning. Then mix everything together so the chicken is fully coated in the garlic butter.

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Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Drizzle in the lemon juice if using, and stir well. Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top. Serve immediately while hot.

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Notes

This recipe works beautifully with both chicken breasts and thighs—choose based on your preference. Breasts are leaner and cook slightly faster, while thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful bite. You can also adjust the garlic amount based on how intense you want the flavor to be. For added depth, consider tossing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine while cooking the garlic butter. Serve these chicken bites on a bed of rice, inside wraps, or over a fresh salad for a quick and satisfying meal.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the Pan: This causes the chicken to steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if needed.
• Skipping the Dry Pat: Not drying the chicken leads to extra moisture in the pan and prevents browning.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter—add it only after reducing the heat.
• Using Cold Chicken: Let your chicken sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking for even results.
• Overcooking: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without drying out.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or a dab of butter to keep them moist. You can also microwave in short intervals, though the texture is best preserved on the stovetop. These chicken bites also freeze well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

(Values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Pat the chicken dry before searing, don’t overcook it, and finish with butter at the end to lock in moisture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Store in the fridge and reheat in a pan or microwave when needed.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. To add heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch—use about 1 tsp.

What can I serve this with?

Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, pasta, salads, or even stuffed in pita bread or tacos.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—when the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C), it’s fully cooked.

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Conclusion

Chicken Bites in Garlic Butter is a fast, flavorful, and highly adaptable dish that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a go-to recipe whether you’re planning a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding picky eaters. With minimal prep and loads of flavor, this dish brings the perfect balance of convenience and comfort to the table.

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