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If you’re craving something that’s bursting with rich, buttery flavor and just the right hit of garlic, you’re in for a treat with this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe. Tender chicken thighs are transformed into golden, juicy morsels infused with a luscious garlic butter sauce that clings to every piece. It’s a quick, straightforward dish that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without fuss. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but play essential roles in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each item adds something special, from the juicy tenderness of chicken thighs to the savory richness of butter and the aromatic punch of garlic.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The ideal cut for juicy, flavorful bites that stay tender through cooking.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors and helps to season the chicken evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and complexity.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Creates that luscious, golden garlic butter sauce that coats every bite.
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped: Infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma and bold garlicky goodness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish with a pop of color and mild herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat off the chicken thighs, then cut them into bite-sized pieces about 1 1/2 inches each. Patting them dry with paper towels ensures better browning. Season all sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper for even, savory flavor throughout.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Sear Chicken
Place a large skillet—preferably stainless steel or cast iron—over medium heat and let it warm for about three minutes. Add one tablespoon of butter, and once it’s sizzling and slightly browned, arrange the chicken bites in a single layer without crowding. This careful heat control helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken on One Side
Patience is key here—leave the chicken untouched for about four minutes so it develops a beautiful brown crust on the bottom and cooks about two-thirds of the way through, becoming opaque.
Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking
Using tongs or a spatula, flip each chicken bite over and cook for another three to four minutes until browned on the second side and cooked through. You want the internal temperature to reach at least 165ºF for safety and juiciness. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate or bowl to rest.
Step 5: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the still-hot skillet. Toss in the chopped garlic and cook gently, stirring frequently to scrape up all those caramelized bits from the pan bottom. This step releases incredible flavor without letting the garlic turn bitter or brown. Cook until fragrant, about two to three minutes.
Step 6: Toss Chicken in Garlic Butter
Remove the skillet from heat, add the cooked chicken back in, and toss everything together so the bites are generously coated in the glossy, fragrant garlic butter sauce. This step ensures every piece is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Serve immediately for the best texture and maximum garlicky butter deliciousness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a cheerful splash of green but also brightens the flavors without overpowering the rich sauce. If you want to add a touch of zest, a few lemon wedges alongside provide a lovely tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
These chicken bites beautifully complement a wide range of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or even a crisp green salad work well. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken bites over a bed of fluffy rice or buttered noodles to soak up every last drop of garlic butter. You can also skewer the bites for a chic appetizer platter, perfect for sharing at parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, place leftover chicken bites in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making for easy next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the chicken bites tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the chicken bites in a skillet over low heat to preserve their crispy edges and buttery sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the crust slightly. Sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating to keep the chicken moist and tender.
FAQs
What cut of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. Chicken breast can be used but may dry out more easily.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor and aroma, but in a pinch, garlic powder can work—use about 1 teaspoon and add it when you season the chicken.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level more precisely, but salted butter can be used if you adjust seasoning accordingly.
How can I make the chicken crispier?
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the pan so the bites sear properly. Cooking over medium heat ensures a golden crust without burning the butter.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your optionally added sides or garnishes to maintain a gluten-free meal.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both luxurious and totally doable, with flavors that enchant every bite. It’s perfect when you want quick comfort food without any fuss, and it’s a guaranteed hit whether for family dinners or casual entertaining. Trust me, once you make this, it will find a special place in your recipe rotation, just like it did in mine!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy and flavorful dish perfect for a quick dinner that feels special. The buttery garlic glaze enhances the natural savoriness of the chicken with a delicious crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim off any excess bits of fat from the chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into approximately 1 1/2-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle all sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season.
- Heat the skillet and sear chicken: Turn on your range hood if available. Heat a large (12-inch) stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter is sizzling and begins to brown, add the chicken bites in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan.
- Sear the chicken on one side: Without moving the chicken, let it sear until it turns opaque about two-thirds of the way through and develops a well-browned crust on the bottom, approximately 4 minutes.
- Flip and finish cooking: Use tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken pieces over. Sear the other side until well-browned and fully cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl or plate.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the chopped garlic. Sauté gently while using a wooden spatula to scrape up all the browned bits from the pan bottom. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and no longer raw but not browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toss chicken in garlic butter: Remove the skillet from heat. Return the chicken bites to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
- Patting the chicken dry before searing helps achieve a nice crust and reduces splattering.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning and even cooking.
- Fresh garlic is essential for the sauce; adjust the amount to taste for more or less garlic flavor.
- If parsley is unavailable, fresh chives or basil can be a good alternative garnish.
- Monitor garlic closely while sautéing to avoid burning, which would impart a bitter taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F.
