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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Alysse

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Tender, juicy chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that's ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or as an impressive appetizer that tastes like it took hours to make.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and melt completely.
  3. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden, then flip and cook 2 minutes more. Remove to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the pan and allow to melt and foam.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  7. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes more until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  8. Remove from heat, add fresh parsley and lemon juice, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a lower-fat version, you can substitute half the butter with olive oil or chicken broth.
  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for even juicier results.
  • Make it a complete meal by adding quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the pan.
  • For meal prep, this recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.