Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken bites elevate home cooking with minimal effort. Italian herbs and golden seared edges make this quick protein perfect for busy weeknight dinners you can effortlessly prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Blend aromatic spices including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into a uniform coating for the chicken pieces.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, maintaining a temperature around 350°F, and carefully arrange seasoned chicken to sear evenly.
- Allow chicken to develop a golden-brown exterior, rotating periodically to ensure complete cooking and consistent coloration, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Introduce rich, creamy butter and finely chopped garlic into the skillet, gently tossing to envelop each chicken morsel in a luxurious, fragrant sauce.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic essence and infuse the chicken with deep, savory flavors.
- Enhance the dish with a splash of bright, tangy lemon juice, stirring to integrate the citrusy notes throughout the garlic butter sauce.
- Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh, vibrant parsley or thyme across the chicken, adding a touch of herbal freshness.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, offering optional garnishes like grated Parmesan cheese or fiery red pepper flakes for personalized zest.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for quick and even cooking, ensuring tender and juicy results.
- Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent soggy texture.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness, using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Replace butter with olive oil or ghee for dairy-free diets, maintaining rich flavor while accommodating different nutritional needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 243 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 178 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg