Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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