Indulge in the savory delight of garlic butter chicken bites, a dish that combines tender chicken pieces with rich garlic butter for an irresistible flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these bites are quick to make and sure to impress your family and friends. With just a few ingredients and a simple preparation method, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is around 10 minutes, while cooking time is about 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 250 calories, 15g of fat, 21g of protein, 5g of carbohydrates, and 1g of fiber.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cube the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Toss the seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet, cooking until lightly browned on all sides.
6. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
7. Drizzle the garlic butter over the chicken evenly.
8. Sprinkle dried parsley on top for added flavor.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
10. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Additionally, vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free version, and fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can replace dried parsley for a fresh twist.
Serving and Pairings
These garlic butter chicken bites pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside rice or pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. These bites can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the chicken to avoid dryness.
- Ensure the garlic doesn’t burn; add it after the butter has melted.
- Season the chicken well before cooking for better flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate the chicken for a few hours for enhanced flavor.
- Experiment with different spices for a unique taste.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for presentation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to achieve even results and avoid excess moisture.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken bites?
These chicken bites can be served with a variety of sides such as rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is properly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink inside.
Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat leftovers is in a skillet over low heat to keep them juicy, or in the microwave for quick reheating.
Conclusion
Garlic butter chicken bites are a delightful and easy dish that offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich garlic butter sauce with tender chicken for a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cube the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Toss the seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet, cooking until lightly browned on all sides.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Drizzle the garlic butter over the chicken evenly.
- Sprinkle dried parsley on top for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
