Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe for Flavor Lovers
My weeknight dinner game completely changed when I discovered these mouthwatering garlic butter chicken bites that pack serious flavor into every single morsel.
Crispy edges and tender centers create a magical combination most home cooks dream about.
Seasoned with simple ingredients, each bite delivers incredible taste without complicated preparation techniques.
Quick cooking methods mean you can have this delectable dish ready in less than thirty minutes.
Juicy chicken pieces coated in rich, herby butter make even picky eaters swoon with delight.
Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.
What Makes Garlic Butter Chicken Bites So Good
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Main Protein:Coating Ingredients:Cooking Ingredients:Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces
Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
Slice chicken into 1-inch bite-sized chunks for easy eating and quick cooking.
Step 2: Season Chicken
Gather seasonings:Sprinkle seasonings over chicken pieces in a mixing bowl.
Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the herbed flour mixture.
Step 3: Sizzle in Skillet
Select a large cast iron skillet.
Heat over medium-high temperature.
Add olive oil and butter, allowing them to meld and create a flavorful cooking surface.
Once oil shimmers and butter melts, carefully place seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.
Step 4: First Side Cooking
Let chicken sit undisturbed for approximately 3 minutes.
This creates a golden-brown crust and seals in delicious flavors.
Do not move or disturb chicken during this time.
Step 5: Flip and Continue Cooking
Turn chicken pieces to opposite side.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes until they develop a beautiful, crispy exterior.
Step 6: Final Flavor Boost
Add remaining butter, freshly minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
Stir and cook for one final minute to ensure chicken is completely cooked and herbs are fragrant.
Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Tips to Make Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Bites
Best Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Enhance Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Perfect Pairings:Garlic Butter Chicken Bite Variants
FAQs
Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and will give a slightly more tender and juicy result. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time if needed.
While a cast iron skillet provides excellent heat distribution and creates a nice golden crust, you can use any heavy-bottomed skillet or non-stick pan. The key is to have an even heating surface.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the largest piece to ensure there’s no pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. The coating will still provide a delicious crispy exterior for the chicken bites.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken bites deliver quick culinary magic from skillet to plate. Crispy edges, buttery richness, and bold garlic flavor will make you crave this simple yet irresistible protein-packed meal that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 20 ounces (1.25 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry using clean kitchen towels, ensuring moisture-free surface for optimal seasoning adherence.
- Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes, maintaining consistent one-inch dimensions for even cooking.
- Transfer chicken pieces into a spacious mixing vessel, generously coat with flour mixture combining basil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently tumble contents until each morsel is thoroughly encrusted with herbed flour.
- Position cast iron skillet over medium-high thermal setting, introduce olive oil and initial butter portion. Wait until fat shimmers and butter liquefies completely.
- Carefully distribute chicken pieces across skillet, creating single-layer arrangement without overcrowding. Allow uninterrupted searing for approximately three minutes, developing golden caramelized exterior.
- Execute precise turning of chicken fragments, revealing crisp bronzed surfaces. Continue cooking additional two minutes, promoting interior tenderness.
- Incorporate remaining butter, introduce finely chopped garlic, and sprinkle fresh parsley throughout skillet. Gently maneuver ingredients, ensuring chicken reaches perfect doneness and garlic releases aromatic essence.
- Remove immediately from heat, transferring succulent chicken bites onto serving platter, preserving their crisp texture and robust flavor profile.
Notes
- Pat chicken pieces completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden exterior when searing.
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and better browning throughout the meat.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet to prevent steaming instead of achieving a beautiful golden crust.
- Experiment with alternative herbs like thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
- For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch.
- Keep chicken pieces uniform in size to guarantee consistent cooking time and texture.
- Let chicken rest for a minute after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent dryness.
- Create a low-carb option by omitting flour and using just herbs and spices for coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Marcus Hale
Founder & Recipe Storyteller
Expertise
Education
Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.
At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.