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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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