Why Make This Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delightful dish that is both easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combo of buttery garlic sauce and tender chicken makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Additionally, this dish can be served as an entrée or an appetizer, making it versatile for any occasion.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a simple process that requires minimal ingredients while delivering big flavors. Here is how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. This will create the perfect base for cooking the chicken and garlic.
Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Prepare the Chicken: While the garlic is cooking, season the chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. This will ensure that every bite is flavorful.
Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook while stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, which takes about 6-8 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Enjoy: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites as a tasty entree or appetizer that everyone will love.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites can be served in several delightful ways. If you’re looking to keep it simple, you can enjoy them on their own, perhaps along with some toothpicks for easy snacking. For a more complete meal, consider serving them over cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta. These options can help soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Additionally, you can pair Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to create a well-rounded meal. They also make a great addition to any party platter, making excellent finger food for guests at gatherings.
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
If you happen to have leftovers (which is quite rare with this tasty dish), storing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is quite easy. Place them in an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature. You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warm, adding a little extra butter or a splash of water to help with moisture if necessary. Avoid using the microwave to reheat as it can make the chicken rubbery.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken bites. Place them in a freezer-safe container, where they can last up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor. If you can, avoid using pre-minced garlic as it may not deliver the same quality taste.
- Choose the Right Pan: A non-stick skillet works well for this recipe, but you can also use cast-iron for added flavor. Just ensure it is well-seasoned to prevent sticking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If cooking a larger batch, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than browning the chicken.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to taste the chicken during cooking and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Everyone has different tastes, and it’s important to make it your own!
Variation
One great thing about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is how easily they can be adapted to your tastes. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. This will give the dish a nice spicy kick.
- Lemon Garlic Version: For a refreshing twist, add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest right before serving. This enhances the garlic flavor and balances the richness of the butter.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: To make it creamy, add a splash of heavy cream to the skillet after cooking the chicken and garlic. This will form a rich sauce that you can serve over pasta or rice.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is gluten-free as it stands, but if you’re looking for a more filling option, serve it alongside gluten-free pasta or grains.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first. Cooked frozen chicken can be dry, so make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using less butter or substituting olive oil for butter. You can also serve the chicken with a larger portion of vegetables to balance out the meal.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! If you’re serving a crowd or want leftovers for the week, feel free to double or even triple the recipe. Just ensure your skillet is large enough to cook the chicken in batches, if necessary.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Some great side dishes include mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with bread for dipping in the buttery sauce.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time with the seasonings and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Just remember to cook it the next day!
Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a fun and easy way to indulge in delicious, hearty flavors while keeping your meal prep simple. Whether you choose to serve them as a main dish or an appetizer, they are sure to be a hit! Enjoy your cooking!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delightful dish that delivers big flavors with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season the chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Serve as an entree or appetizer; great with rice, quinoa, or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, garlic, butter, quick meal, easy recipe, appetizer