Oh my goodness, I am so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites! Seriously, if you love food that’s quick, easy, and just bursting with flavor, then you’re in the right place. I first made this dish for a casual get-together with friends, and let me tell you, it was a total hit. Everyone was raving about them, and I ended up making a second batch just to keep the party going.
Not only are these bites utterly irresistible with their buttery garlic goodness, but they also come together in about 15 minutes flat. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your regular dinner lineup!
What’s in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Let’s break down these tasty little morsels, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! I usually go for high-quality, hormone-free chicken. It keeps the bites juicy and tender.
Unsalted butter: This adds richness and flavor. Don’t skimp on this—melted butter makes everything better, right?
Garlic: We’re using four cloves of minced garlic because I firmly believe more garlic equals more joy. If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add a little extra!
Paprika: This gives the chicken a subtle smokiness and a pop of color. It’s a pantry staple I love to use.
Onion powder: This adds a bit of depth to the flavor profile. Even if you have fresh onions, I still love the convenience of onion powder!
Salt: Essential for enhancing all those lovely flavors. I use kosher salt for cooking—it’s just my personal preference.
Black pepper: A dash of black pepper for that slight kick!
Fresh parsley: Not just for garnish! It adds a burst of freshness that brightens the entire dish.
Lemon juice: Totally optional, but if you’re feeling zesty, a squeeze of lemon brings everything together beautifully.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Good for You?
Okay, let’s talk about the health aspect a bit. This dish packs a protein punch thanks to the chicken, making it a fantastic option for a post-workout meal or a satisfying dinner.
Chicken breasts: They are lean, which means you get all that yummy protein without a lot of extra fat.
Butter: While it’s delicious and can be part of a balanced diet, keep in mind that it’s also calorie-dense. Moderation is key!
Garlic: Did you know that garlic is known for its health benefits? It contains antioxidants and can even help boost your immune system—bonus!
Overall, this dish is great if you keep an eye on the servings and balance it with some veggies or a nice salad on the side.
Ingredients List
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people as an appetizer or main dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Ready to get cooking? Let’s do this!
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. (I always find this step so exhilarating; the aroma is heavenly!)
3. Season the chicken pieces with paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly for maximum flavor.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken bites to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. If desired, squeeze lemon juice over the chicken for added flavor and toss to combine. Oh, it adds such a refreshing zing!
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken bites for garnish.
7. Serve warm and enjoy! (Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.)
Serve Them Up Right!
These garlic butter chicken bites are as versatile as they are delicious! You can serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering or toss them over a bed of rice for a quick dinner. Feeling fancy? Add them to a fresh salad with some greens and a light dressing.
For an extra kick, consider sprinkling a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Just be careful—don’t go overboard unless you’re ready for the spice!
I really hope you give these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites a try! They’re a family favorite in my house that brings a smile to everyone’s face. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so don’t forget to share your experience in the comments! Happy cooking!
