If you’re craving a dish that is bursting with rich flavor and irresistible comfort, you have to try this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe. These little bites are perfectly seared to create a golden crust, then bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that adds depth and mouthwatering aroma. Whether you need a quick dinner or an impressive appetizer to share, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both cozy and indulgent. I promise once you make these, they’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe plays a vital role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The ingredients are straightforward but come together to create an exceptionally tasty dish that feels special without any fuss.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat with plenty of flavor and the perfect texture for searing.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural taste of the chicken.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and grounding spice to complement the garlic butter.
- Unsalted butter: The star ingredient that delivers richness and helps create a silky, flavorful sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh and chopped to infuse the dish with bright, aromatic garlic flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish to brighten each bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs to keep your bites tender and clean-tasting. Cut the chicken into roughly 1 1/2-inch pieces, which ensures they cook evenly and get a beautifully crisp crust. Patting the pieces dry with paper towels is a simple but crucial step to achieve perfect searing. Once dry, sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper all over to season thoroughly—this little detail makes such a difference.
Step 2: Heat the skillet and sear chicken
Heating a large skillet over medium heat for a few minutes primes it for a fantastic sear. Adding a tablespoon of butter at this stage gets the pan ready for the chicken and lends a subtle nutty note as it begins to brown. When the butter is sizzling but not burnt, arrange your chicken bites in a single layer without crowding—this helps them develop a gorgeous, golden crust.
Step 3: Sear the chicken on one side
Patience is key here; resist the urge to move the chicken while it sears. Let it cook undisturbed until you see it turn opaque about two-thirds through and notice a deep golden crust forming, which generally takes around four minutes. This crust is what locks in juices, giving each bite that perfect balance of tender and crispy.
Step 4: Flip and finish cooking
Flip the chicken pieces carefully to avoid tearing their delicious crusts. Continue cooking for another three to four minutes on the other side until deeply browned and cooked through. It’s important to reach an internal temperature of 165ºF to ensure safe and juicy chicken. Once done, transfer the pieces to a bowl or plate to rest briefly—this rest stops cooking while retaining juiciness.
Step 5: Prepare garlic butter sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Toss in the chopped garlic and cook gently to release its wonderful fragrance, stirring carefully to scrape up all those golden brown bits from the pan bottom. Those browned bits are little flavor bombs that make the sauce sing. Cook the garlic until it’s fragrant and softened but not browned, about two to three minutes, maintaining that delicate balance.
Step 6: Toss chicken in garlic butter
Remove the skillet from heat and return the chicken bites into the pan. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each piece is luxuriously coated in the garlicky butter sauce. This step is where flavor really takes center stage, as the chicken soaks up all those irresistible buttery notes.
Step 7: Serve
Finally, transfer the saucy chicken bites to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. The parsley adds a burst of fresh color and a mild herbal lift that complements the richness perfectly. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the texture and flavor at their best.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish here, providing a vibrant green contrast and a hint of freshness. For an extra layer of flavor, feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the dish.
Side Dishes
These garlic butter chicken bites pair beautifully with simple sides that soak up their sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice pilaf, or even a crisp green salad are fantastic choices. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans add a nice texture contrast and complete the meal with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer twist, serve the chicken bites on wooden skewers or toothpicks for easy grabbing. Alternatively, nestle them atop a bed of garlic butter pasta for a hearty main course or pile them on toasted baguette slices with a sprinkle of parmesan for an impressive party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing the container to help maintain their juicy texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep the bites longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken moist and to refresh the garlic butter sauce flavors. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken and mute the buttery garlic goodness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but keep in mind they are leaner and may not be as tender or juicy as thighs. Cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and watch your cooking time to avoid drying out.
Is it important to use fresh garlic?
Yes, fresh garlic really makes all the difference in this recipe. It provides a bright, pungent flavor that dried or powdered garlic cannot match, especially when sautéed gently in butter.
What kind of skillet is best for searing?
A stainless steel or cast iron skillet is ideal for this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe because they hold heat well and help develop a beautiful crust on the chicken pieces.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes can also add a nice twist to the flavor profile.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is using a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165ºF. Visually, the chicken should be opaque all the way through with no pinkness.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is one of those dishes that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary with just a little love and attention. Perfectly crispy chicken meets buttery garlic richness for a combination you can’t resist. I can’t wait for you to try this in your own kitchen and discover how quickly these bites become a go-to for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs seared to a golden brown and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Garnished with fresh parsley, these savory chicken bites deliver a rich and delicious meal with crispy edges and juicy centers.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim off any excess fat from the chicken thighs, then cut them into approximately 1 1/2-inch pieces. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels and evenly season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
- Heat the skillet and sear chicken: Turn on the range hood. Heat a large (12-inch) stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and wait until it sizzles and starts to brown. Place the chicken bites in a single layer without crowding the pan.
- Sear the chicken on one side: Let the chicken cook undisturbed until it turns opaque about two-thirds through and forms a well-browned crust on the bottom, approximately 4 minutes.
- Flip and finish cooking: Using tongs or a spatula, flip each chicken piece to sear the other side until well-browned and fully cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165ºF. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl or plate.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the chopped garlic. Sauté gently while scraping up all browned bits from the pan bottom with a wooden spatula. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and no longer raw but not browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toss chicken in garlic butter: Remove the skillet from heat and return chicken bites to the pan. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using a stainless steel or cast iron skillet helps achieve a good sear and browning.
- Do not move the chicken while searing to allow a crust to form properly.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF for safety.
- Adjust garlic quantity according to your taste preference for stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and freshness but is optional.
