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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful skillet-cooked dish featuring tender, bite-sized chicken pieces seared to golden perfection and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with Italian herbs and smoked paprika. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a satisfying appetizer, this recipe delivers juicy chicken with a rich, savory coating in under 15 minutes.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch bite size pieces (approximately 1 ¼ to 1 ½ total pounds)
  • ¾ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fats and Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken pieces onto a plate and pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear.
  2. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the dried Italian seasoning blend, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a well-balanced spice mixture.
  3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the prepared spice blend evenly over the dried chicken pieces and toss them to coat thoroughly with the seasoning.
  4. Heat the Skillet: Over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to a large (12 inch) heavy-duty skillet. Wait until the butter is fully melted and hot.
  5. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer to the hot skillet. Let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on the first side to develop a golden crust, then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown all over and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Add Garlic and Butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant and tender. Turn off the heat.
  7. Toss and Garnish: Toss the chicken bites in the garlic butter sauce until all pieces are evenly coated. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley if desired for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken pieces are dried well before seasoning to help them sear properly and develop a nice crust.
  • Use a heavy-duty skillet to maintain even heat and prevent sticking.
  • You can adjust smoked paprika amount for more or less smokiness.
  • The optional parsley garnish adds freshness and visual appeal but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking (165°F recommended).