Description
Delicious garlic butter chicken bites, perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and pat them very dry with paper towels.
- Add the chicken to a mixing bowl and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the chicken and toss again until every piece is lightly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter.
- When the oil and butter are hot and shimmering, add the chicken in an even layer, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
- Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes without moving it, then flip and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, or until the bites are cooked through and golden brown on all sides.
- Transfer the cooked chicken bites to a plate and set aside, leaving any browned bits in the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
- Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for a few seconds to bloom the spices in the butter.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture bubble for about 1 minute.
- Return the cooked chicken bites and any accumulated juices to the skillet, tossing well to coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 1–2 minutes, just until heated through and the flavors meld.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, if using, and toss gently so it melts slightly into the warm chicken bites.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired, then serve immediately over rice, pasta, potatoes, or with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg