Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a savory, creamy garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or as an appetizer. The rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and herbs makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
6 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or fresh if you have it)
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
-
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preparing the Chicken Bites:
-
Season the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
-
Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
-
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:
-
Melt the butter: In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
-
Add seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, lemon juice (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
-
-
Bringing It Together:
-
Combine the chicken and sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let everything simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
-
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.Customizations: Add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the skillet for a more complete one-pan meal.
