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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme - Fresh parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper - Juice from 1/2 lemon - Red pepper flakes for heat - Suggested side dishes The essential ingredients create the base for the dish. I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture. The unsalted butter adds richness, while garlic brings that bold flavor. For seasoning, fresh thyme and parsley brighten the dish. Paprika gives it a lovely color and a mild kick, while salt and pepper enhance all flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice balances the richness with some acidity. You can add red pepper flakes if you want heat. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites pair well with garlic bread or a light salad. These flavors come together to create an irresistible dish. You can find the full recipe to make this delicious meal. First, season your chicken. Use salt, pepper, and paprika. This gives the chicken a nice flavor. Next, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Now, heat two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts and bubbles, add the chicken. Spread the pieces out in one layer. This helps them cook well. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn them with tongs until they turn golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature; it should reach 165°F. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the rest of the butter. Sauté minced garlic in the butter for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it; you want it fragrant. Then, return the chicken to the skillet. Mix it well with the garlic butter sauce. Add fresh thyme and the juice from half a lemon. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Finally, transfer your garlic butter chicken bites to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal right away for the best taste! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. Cooking chicken bites in batches means they cook evenly. If you crowd the pan, they steam instead of brown. For the best results, heat your skillet to medium. This temperature allows the chicken to develop a nice golden crust. If the skillet is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. To boost the flavor, taste your garlic butter sauce as you cook. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick without overpowering the dish. For more depth, try adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika. These small tweaks can make a big difference. Garlic butter chicken bites pair well with many sides. Try serving them with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Both options balance the rich flavors of the chicken. For a nice presentation, use a clean plate and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This not only looks good but also adds a touch of freshness. For the full recipe, follow the steps outlined above. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in garlic butter chicken bites. Shrimp or tofu works great. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. You can keep the same garlic butter sauce for both. Herbs and spices can change the flavor. You can use rosemary or oregano instead of thyme. Each herb adds its unique taste. Try adding a pinch of cumin for a warm twist. Experiment with your favorites! You can make garlic butter chicken bites in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. This method gives you a crispy finish. You can also use a grill for a smoky flavor. Just make sure to watch the chicken so it doesn’t dry out. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free sauces. Many brands offer gluten-free options. For a dairy-free version, swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Both work well with garlic. If you want a vegan option, replace chicken with mushrooms or jackfruit. Both absorb flavors nicely. Follow the same steps in the recipe to keep the taste. You can find the full recipe above to guide you. After enjoying your garlic butter chicken bites, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. To freeze your chicken bites, allow them to cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air from the bag to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. When reheating, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F. Place the chicken bites on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the chicken tender. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it, but be careful not to overcook. This can make the chicken rubbery. Enjoy your delicious bites just like when they were fresh! Chicken bites usually take around 5-7 minutes to cook. Cook them over medium heat. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Check them with a meat thermometer for best results. If you crowd the skillet, it may take longer. For even cooking, try cooking in batches. Yes, you can use chicken breast. However, chicken thighs give a richer flavor. Breast meat cooks faster, so watch the time. You may need to adjust cooking time to around 4-6 minutes. Chicken breast can dry out, so be careful not to overcook. Garlic butter chicken bites pair well with many sides. Try garlic bread for a tasty option. A light salad adds freshness. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans make great choices. Rice or quinoa can soak up the garlic butter sauce, enhancing the meal. To add heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce. You can also use hot sauce or diced jalapeños. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you enjoy spicy food, don't be shy to experiment. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed. For a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika. For the full recipe, check the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites section above. This blog post covered how to make delicious garlic butter chicken bites. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, butter, and garlic. Seasoning and flavoring made your dish pop with herbs, lemon juice, and optional heat from red pepper flakes. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and creating a rich sauce. We also explored tips for serving, variations, and storage. These chicken bites are easy and fun to make. Now it’s your turn to create this tasty meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Savor the incredible flavors of these garlic butter chicken bites! This easy recipe features tender chicken thighs, sautéed to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. Perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty appetizer, these bites are sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this delicious dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice from 1/2 lemon

Optional: Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

Instructions
 

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbly.

    While the butter is heating, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring an even coating throughout.

      Once the butter is ready, carefully add the seasoned chicken bites to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer to promote even cooking. If the pan is too crowded, consider cooking in batches for best results.

        Allow the chicken to cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally with tongs, until they are golden brown and fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).

          Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into the same skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.

            Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, stirring well to coat them in the delicious garlic butter sauce. Add in the fresh thyme and the juice of half a lemon, allowing everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

              Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mix.

                Using a spatula, transfer the garlic butter chicken bites to a serving dish. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor.

                  - Preparation tips: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

                    - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4