Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Quick & Delicious Recipe

Chicken bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course when served with rice or pasta. And when you combine juicy chicken with the rich, savory flavors of garlic butter, you’ve got a truly winning combination. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or simply a delicious treat any time you crave it.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time.
* **Flavor-Packed:** The garlic butter sauce is the star, infusing every bite with rich, savory goodness.
* **Versatile:** Serve as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a topping for salads or pasta.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love these flavorful chicken bites.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. This is the base of our delicious sauce.
* **Garlic:** 6-8 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is crucial for the best flavor. Adjust to your preference.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a subtle spice.
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon. Adds color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. A blend of dried herbs that adds depth of flavor.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a touch of heat. Adjust to your tolerance.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped. For garnish and a pop of freshness.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (optional, for searing the chicken).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet or Frying Pan:** For cooking the chicken.
* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the chicken and garlic.
* **Knife:** For cutting the chicken and garlic.
* **Measuring Spoons:** For measuring the spices.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For tossing the chicken with the spices.
* **Spatula or Tongs:** For flipping and moving the chicken.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Wash the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
* Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
* In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat thoroughly.

**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**

* Heat olive oil (if using) in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. If you choose not to use olive oil, ensure the skillet is non-stick to prevent sticking.
* Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and result in steamed chicken instead of seared chicken.
* Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**

* In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter. Stir constantly.
* If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them to the garlic butter during this step.

**Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce**

* Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
* Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece is glistening with that delicious garlic butter.
* Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to absorb the flavors.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

* Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
* Serve immediately. These chicken bites are best served hot.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When cooking the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that the chicken sears properly and gets a nice golden-brown crust.
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor. Garlic powder just won’t deliver the same punch.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s cooking, as it can burn easily. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
* **Adjust the Heat:** Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you don’t like spice, omit them altogether.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Pat the Chicken Dry:** Before seasoning the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels. This helps it to brown better in the skillet.
* **Use a Good Quality Butter:** A good quality butter will have a richer flavor and make the sauce even more delicious.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through.

## Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as a party appetizer with toothpicks or skewers. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Main Course:** Serve them over rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal. They pair well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
* **Salad Topping:** Add them to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful topping.
* **Sandwich Filling:** Use them as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
* **Tacos/Burritos:** Dice them and use them as a filling for tacos or burritos.
* **Pizza Topping:** Add them as a topping to your homemade pizza for a savory twist.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Thighs:** Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. Chicken thighs take slightly longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* **Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a bright and tangy flavor.
* **Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken bites after they’re cooked for a cheesy twist.
* **Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:** Add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.
* **Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:** Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream to the garlic butter sauce for a creamier texture.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms along with the garlic for a more complete meal.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to customize the flavor.
* **Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free Italian seasoning.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Prepare the Chicken:** You can cut the chicken into cubes and season it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:** You can prepare the garlic butter sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it before adding the chicken.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the chicken bites for up to 2-3 months. Let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Protein: 40-45 grams
* Fat: 20-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

## Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Wash the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat thoroughly.
3. Heat olive oil (if using) in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
8. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
9. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them to the garlic butter during this step.
10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
11. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
12. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to absorb the flavors.
13. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
14. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites! They’re sure to become a new family favorite.

## More Delicious Chicken Recipes

If you enjoyed this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious chicken recipes:

* [Link to another chicken recipe on your blog] * [Link to another chicken recipe on your blog] * [Link to another chicken recipe on your blog]

## Share Your Creations!

If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! You can also tag me in your photos on social media using #MyGarlicButterChickenBites. I love seeing your creations!