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- 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. - 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. - 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. {{ingredient_image_1}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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). {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 own!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Delicious bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter with a hint of lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 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)

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Notes

Serve warm on rice or as an appetizer.
Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, quick meal