Indulge in these garlic butter chicken bites that combine tender chicken pieces with a luscious garlic butter sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Easy to make and full of flavor, these bites are a must-try for any chicken lover. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious dish!
Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (based on 1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately:
– Calories: 250
– Protein: 25g
– Fat: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 2g
– Fiber: 0g
This nutritional value is calculated for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated in the butter.
5. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
6. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
7. Check the internal temperature of the chicken (should reach 165°F).
8. Once cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
9. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
10. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter chicken bites!
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for more flavor. Additionally, vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free version, and you can add vegetables like bell peppers to the mix.
Serving and Pairings
These garlic butter chicken bites pair wonderfully with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They also make an excellent appetizer served with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; just ensure they’re thawed completely before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
– Don’t cook on high heat to prevent burning the garlic.
– Ensure chicken is cut uniformly for even cooking.
– Check the doneness with a meat thermometer.
– Allow the chicken to rest briefly before serving.
Helpful Tips
– Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
– Marinate the chicken in the garlic butter for 30 minutes for enhanced taste.
– Experiment with different herbs for varied flavors.
– Serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even doneness.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken bites?
These bites pair well with rice, salads, or roasted vegetables, making them versatile for various meals.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, include red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the garlic butter ahead. Cook just before serving for freshness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These chicken bites store well and can be prepped in advance for quick meals throughout the week.
Conclusion
Garlic butter chicken bites are an irresistible treat that balances flavor and ease of preparation. Perfect for any occasion, these delectable bites will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated in the butter.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken (should reach 165°F).
- Once cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
- Enjoy your delicious garlic butter chicken bites!
