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Looking for an easy and tasty dish that will impress your family? You’re in the right place! These savory Garlic Butter Chicken Bites pack tons of flavor with simple ingredients you can find at home. In this post, I’ll guide you through making golden chicken bites that burst with garlic goodness. Plus, I’ll share tips and tricks to perfect this dish every time. Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a deliciously rich flavor that elevates simple chicken bites.
- Versatile Dish: These garlic butter chicken bites can be served as an appetizer, over rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite herbs to make it your own!
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Smoked paprika
– Dried oregano
– Black pepper
– Salt
I start with chicken breasts. They are tender and cook quickly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easy to eat and helps them cook evenly. For seasoning, I use smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. These spices add depth to the chicken. Mix them well with the chicken. This step helps the flavors soak in.
Butter and Aromatics
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
Next, I melt some butter in a pan. I always choose unsalted butter for this dish. It lets me control the salt level. After the butter melts, I add minced garlic. Garlic is the star here, bringing a rich aroma. I sauté the garlic for about one minute. Be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Garnishes and Extras
– Fresh parsley
– Lemon juice
– Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Finally, I think about garnishes. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. I also squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken. This brightens the flavors. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. This step is optional but can make the dish exciting.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First, gather your chicken. Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with spices: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss it all together to coat the chicken well. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the flavors.
Melting the Butter
Next, grab a large skillet. Place it over medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt slowly. After it melts, add 5 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stay close and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. You want the garlic to smell amazing.
Cooking the Chicken
Now, turn up the heat to medium-high. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly. You want it to turn a lovely golden brown. This means it’s cooked through and ready to eat.
Adding Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is cooked, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over it. Toss the chicken to mix in the lemon juice. If you like some spice, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes to taste. This adds a nice kick to your dish.
Serving Suggestions
Finally, it’s time to serve. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley. You can serve these tasty bites warm on a bed of rice, alongside veggies, or even as an appetizer with toothpicks. Each bite will burst with flavor!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Chicken Bites
To make the best garlic butter chicken bites, pay attention to cooking time and heat.
– Cooking Time: Cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes. This ensures it cooks through without drying out.
– Heat Settings: Start on medium for melting butter and garlic. Then switch to medium-high for the chicken. This helps achieve a golden brown color.
Enhancing Flavor
Want to boost the taste? Here are some herbs and seasonings to try:
– Thyme: A touch of thyme adds a nice earthy flavor.
– Rosemary: This herb pairs well with garlic and butter.
– Lemon Zest: Grating some lemon zest can brighten the dish.
– Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For some heat, sprinkle these in while cooking.
Mix and match these flavors to suit your taste.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things go wrong. Here’s how to avoid common problems:
– Overcooking Garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Sauté on medium heat and watch closely.
– Burning Chicken: If the heat is too high, the chicken may burn. Adjust the heat as needed.
– Dry Chicken: Make sure to cook just until golden brown. Overcooking makes chicken dry.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a dish that’s tasty and easy to make!
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes if possible. This will enhance the flavors and make the chicken even more delicious.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred garlic. It adds a wonderful aroma to the dish.
- Adjust the Heat: If you enjoy a spicy kick, don’t hesitate to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken while cooking.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure the chicken is cooked through but remains juicy, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Variations
Different Proteins
You can switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp or tofu works great. For shrimp, just peel and devein them first. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink. If you pick tofu, use firm tofu for the best texture. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and pan-fry until golden.
Flavor Pairings
Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors. Try adding different sauces or spices. A splash of soy sauce can add a savory kick. For a spicy twist, use spicy chili sauce or sriracha. You can also mix in some herbs like thyme or basil for fresh taste.
Serving Style
You can change how you serve these bites. Skewers are fun for parties. Just thread the cooked chicken onto skewers with veggies like bell peppers or onions. Wraps are another great option. Use lettuce or tortilla wraps to make a tasty handheld meal. Enjoy experimenting with different styles!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your garlic butter chicken bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you will know when to use them.
Reheating Instructions
When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. Use a skillet over medium heat for the best results. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the chicken and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots.
Freezing Options
If you want to save some chicken bites for later, freezing works great. First, cool the chicken completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. Label it with the date before putting it in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice and tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. First, you need to thaw it. Place the frozen chicken in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, use the microwave’s defrost setting. Once thawed, cut it into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as usual.
What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites go well with many sides. Here are some tasty options:
– Steamed broccoli
– Rice or quinoa
– Mixed green salad
– Garlic bread
– Roasted vegetables
These sides help make a full meal. Each one adds flavor and balance to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, try these tips:
– Add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste.
– Mix in some hot sauce before serving for a nice kick.
– Use spicy garlic or chili-infused oil for cooking. This adds great flavor and heat.
These options let you control the spice level. Enjoy experimenting with your flavors!
This post covered how to make tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. We explored the key ingredients, like chicken, spices, and garlic. I shared easy steps for preparing and cooking the chicken perfectly. We discussed tips to enhance flavor and offered ideas for serving. Don’t forget to try different proteins for variety. Proper storage and reheating keep your meals fresh. With these insights and simple methods, you’ll cook chicken bites that impress. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your ow
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Delicious bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter with a hint of lemon.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 unit juice of 1 lemon
- to taste unit crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat evenly and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken bites and toss to combine. If you like some heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Remove from heat, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm, either on a bed of rice, with a side of veggies, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Serve warm on rice or as an appetizer.
Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, quick meal
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