Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

$- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 medium lemon - Juice of 1 medium lemon To start, gather all your ingredients. Measure each one carefully. Cutting the chicken into small pieces helps them cook faster. Make sure the garlic is minced well. This way, it infuses flavor better. The lemon zest adds a fresh touch. Use a microplane or fine grater for zesting. Juice the lemon right before using it to keep it fresh. When choosing chicken breasts, look for ones that are pink and plump. Avoid any with spots or a grayish hue. Fresh chicken should have no smell. If possible, buy organic or free-range chicken. This type often has better flavor. Always check the sell-by date to ensure freshness. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of smoked paprika, half a teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and half a teaspoon of salt. Toss everything well to coat the chicken evenly. This step adds flavor to every bite. Next, take four tablespoons of unsalted butter and place it in a large skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely. Once melted, add five cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic gently for one to two minutes. Stir it often to prevent burning. You want it fragrant, not browned. This will keep the garlic sweet. Now, introduce the seasoned chicken bites into the skillet. Arrange them in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about five to seven minutes. Turn the pieces occasionally with tongs. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. Once the chicken is fully cooked, it’s time to add brightness. Sprinkle the zest of one medium lemon over the chicken. Then, drizzle the juice of that lemon on top. Stir everything together well. Let it simmer for an additional minute. This will meld all the flavors beautifully. Remove the skillet from heat. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color. For a nice presentation, use a rustic wooden bowl or a sleek white platter. Consider adding toothpicks for easy eating. You can also serve extra lemon wedges for those who want more zing. Enjoy your garlic butter chicken bites! To make the best garlic butter chicken bites, focus on the cooking method. Start with high-quality chicken. Cut it into even pieces to ensure even cooking. Season well before cooking, so the flavor sinks in. Use medium heat when melting the butter. This prevents burning the garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, not brown. This keeps the dish sweet and tasty. Cook the chicken in a single layer, allowing it to brown nicely. Flip the pieces gently for even cooking. Always check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. You can easily boost the flavor of your chicken bites. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you like herbs, fresh thyme or rosemary can add depth. Instead of lemon, use lime for a different twist. You can also swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both options work well with this garlic butter sauce. If you want a creamier taste, add a splash of heavy cream at the end. For serving, these chicken bites shine with fresh garnishes. Consider a sprinkle of parsley for color. Pair them with a light salad for a balanced meal. Garlic butter chicken bites also taste great with rice or crusty bread. For drinks, a chilled white wine or lemonade complements the dish wonderfully. Don't forget to offer lemon wedges on the side for extra zest! Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken in the seasoning mix for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This will enhance the flavors and tenderness of the chicken. Use Fresh Garlic: Always opt for fresh garlic over pre-minced garlic for a more potent and aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic will elevate the taste of your dish significantly. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning. This will add a nice kick without overwhelming the garlic and lemon flavors. Serve with Sides: Pair these garlic butter chicken bites with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal that balances flavors and textures. {{image_4}} For those who love a kick, spicy garlic butter chicken bites are perfect. Start by adding 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the chicken mix. You can also use hot sauce in the butter. This gives the dish a nice heat that balances well with the garlic and lemon. If you enjoy fresh herbs, try herb-infused garlic butter chicken bites. Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary along with the garlic. These herbs add a fragrant touch that enhances the dish's flavor. You could even use a mix of dried herbs like Italian seasoning for a quick swap. For a taste of the Mediterranean, use Greek spices. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and substitute lemon juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar. You can also toss in some sun-dried tomatoes and olives at the end. This variation gives a rich and savory twist that will impress your guests. To store your leftover garlic butter chicken bites, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the lid is tight to keep them fresh. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, pull them from the fridge. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter to keep them moist. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often until hot. You can also use a microwave. Just place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 1-2 minutes. If you want to freeze the chicken bites, use a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge for a few hours before reheating. This way, they stay tasty and safe to eat. You can serve garlic butter chicken bites with many sides. Try creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. They pair well with roasted veggies too. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. For a fun twist, serve them in a wrap with your favorite sauce. You can even offer toothpicks for easy snacking at parties. Yes, you can use chicken thighs! Thighs are juicier and have more flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breasts. Cook them the same way, but check for doneness. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as well. To make garlic butter chicken bites low-carb, skip the rice or potatoes. Instead, serve them with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice. You can also add more leafy greens to your salad. Use more garlic and herbs to boost flavor without adding carbs. To keep your chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Cook until they're golden brown and reach 165°F (75°C). Marinating the chicken before cooking can also help. Use olive oil, lemon juice, or yogurt in your marinade for extra moisture. In this post, we covered how to make delicious garlic butter chicken bites. You learned about the right ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips. I shared flavor variations to keep meals exciting and easy storage tips to save leftovers. My final thought is that making these chicken bites can bring joy to your table. Enjoy the cooking process and get creative with flavors. These bites are sure to please everyone!$

Tender chicken bites cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
0.5 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
1 medium lemon zest
1 medium lemon juice

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure that each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely, then add in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant but is not browned.
Introduce the seasoned chicken bites to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Cook the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally until they are golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle in the lemon zest and drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the chicken. Stir everything together well to meld the flavors, allowing it to simmer for an additional minute.
Remove the skillet from heat. Before serving, sprinkle the dish with the chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

Serve with extra lemon wedges for added flavor.

Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, lemon