Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or appetizers. Tender pieces of chicken are seasoned, coated, and sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or bread flour/cake flour substitute)
• ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ⅓ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the seasoned flour mixture and toss until each piece is well coated.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before coating with flour.
• Use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a mild kick of heat.
• Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a slightly richer flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

How do I keep the chicken bites crispy?

To maintain crispiness, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and make sure the oil and butter are hot before adding the chicken. Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 147 reviews

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, flavorful pieces of chicken coated in a seasoned flour mix and pan-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or appetizer.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Bites:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or bread flour/cake flour as substitute)
• ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ⅓ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the seasoned flour mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
2. Coat the chicken pieces: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
4. Cook the chicken bites: Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
6. Toss chicken in sauce: Return the fried chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until well coated. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken bites, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier bites or chicken breasts for leaner meat.
• Adjust the amount of garlic according to personal preference.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the flour mixture.
• Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
• To keep chicken warm, place cooked bites on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing the sauce.

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, chicken bites, pan-fried chicken, easy chicken recipe, garlic chicken, chicken appetizer