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
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, 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.
