Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs seared to perfection and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Garnished with fresh parsley, these bite-sized chicken pieces are crispy on the outside and infused with rich buttery garlic goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
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. Cut into approximately 1 1/2-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season evenly all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the skillet and sear chicken: Heat a large 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt 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 develops a well-browned crust on the bottom, approximately 4 minutes.
- Flip and finish cooking: Turn the chicken pieces over using tongs or a spatula. Cook the other side until well browned and fully cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring 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 same skillet along with the chopped garlic. Sauté gently, scraping up browned bits from the pan, cooking 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. Return the chicken bites to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use skinless boneless chicken thighs for juiciness and tenderness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing and browning.
- Use a thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165ºF to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
- For a low-sodium version, reduce or omit added salt.
- Serve immediately to enjoy crisp exterior and warm garlic butter sauce.
