Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: An Irresistibly Delicious Recipe

Craving a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dinner? Look no further than these creamy garlic butter chicken bites! This recipe transforms simple chicken breast into tender, flavorful morsels bathed in a luscious, garlicky, buttery sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals or a fancy appetizer, these chicken bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick & Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a rich and savory sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** Serve them as an appetizer, a main course over rice or pasta, or even in sliders.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The bite-sized pieces and delicious flavor make this a hit with children.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your taste preferences – add more spice, different herbs, or even vegetables.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breast:** 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons, unsalted butter (divided into 2 tablespoons each).
* **Garlic:** 6 cloves, minced (fresh is best!).
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/4 cup.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated (freshly grated is recommended).
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish).
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (optional, for searing).

## Equipment Needed

* Large skillet or frying pan
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing bowl
* Spatula or wooden spoon

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make these irresistible creamy garlic butter chicken bites:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Wash the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps with browning and removes excess moisture.
* Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken breasts into approximately 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
* Place the chicken cubes in a mixing bowl.

**2. Season the Chicken:**

* In the bowl with the chicken, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. These spices enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and add a touch of warmth.
* Toss the chicken cubes thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings. This step is crucial for flavorful chicken bites.

**3. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Searing adds a beautiful color and locks in the juices.
* Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent proper searing. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches.
* Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
* Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:**

* In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. The butter will create a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.
* Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
* Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. The chicken broth adds depth of flavor, while the heavy cream creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
* Stir in the Italian seasoning. Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs that complements the garlic and butter beautifully.
* Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory, and nutty flavor to the sauce, as well as contributing to its thickness.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:**

* Return the seared chicken (or the uncooked chicken, if you skipped the searing step) to the skillet with the sauce.
* Stir to coat the chicken cubes evenly with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
* Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
* If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water to thin it out.

**6. Finish and Serve:**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This adds extra richness and shine to the sauce.
* Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
* Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken bites immediately.

## Serving Suggestions

These creamy garlic butter chicken bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Rice or Pasta:** Serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or your favorite pasta. The sauce will coat the rice or pasta beautifully.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties or gatherings. A side of crusty bread for dipping in the sauce is also a great addition.
* **In Sliders:** Use small slider buns to create mini chicken sandwiches. Top with a little extra sauce and some shredded lettuce.
* **With Vegetables:** Serve them alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and balanced meal.
* **In a Salad:** Add them to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful lunch or dinner.

## Tips and Variations

* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Fresh garlic provides the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
* **Adjust the Garlic to Your Taste:** If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount or even substitute it with shallots.
* **Add Some Spice:** For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add some chopped vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the sauce.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil and the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
* **Use Chicken Thighs:** Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They are more flavorful and stay moister.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover creamy garlic butter chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.
* **Freezer:** While not ideal, you can freeze the chicken bites. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 35-40g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat dry.
2. Season the Chicken: Toss chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Sear the Chicken (Optional): Sear chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until thickened.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return chicken to the skillet and cook until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in remaining butter, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and easy creamy garlic butter chicken bites! They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!

## Related Recipes

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* Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
* Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Scampi
* Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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