Description
Juicy, golden, and rich with garlic flavor, these Chicken Bites in Garlic Butter are the perfect quick dinner idea or healthy snack. This easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it one of the best choices for busy weeknights or meal prep. With minimal ingredients and bold flavor, it’s one of those dinner ideas you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you’re looking for food ideas that are high in protein or just need a fast and delicious way to use chicken, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs 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
4 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
1. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Mix well and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, then flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Move the chicken to one side of the pan and melt butter on the other. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Mix chicken with garlic butter, stir in lemon juice (if using), and garnish with parsley or chives. Serve hot.
Notes
Always pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a proper sear.
Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor and avoid burning by lowering the heat before adding it.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg