Craving a flavorful and easy-to-make dish? My Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect solution! These tender chicken bites are packed with savory garlic and herb flavors, making them a great option for a quick dinner or a tasty appetizer. Follow along to make this delicious recipe.
Ingredients List
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 whole garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Required Kitchen Tools
To make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, having the right tools will streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience. Here are the essential tools you will need:
- Cutting Board and Knife: For cutting the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and chopping fresh herbs.
- Mixing Bowls: To toss the chicken with seasonings and to mix other ingredients.
- Large Skillet: A large skillet is perfect for cooking the chicken bites evenly.
- Spatula or Tongs: To turn the chicken bites while cooking, ensuring they cook on all sides.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring out the seasonings and other ingredients.
Having these tools on hand will make the preparation and cooking process much smoother.
Preparing the Chicken
The first step to making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is to prepare the chicken and get it ready for cooking. Follow these steps to ensure your chicken is well-seasoned and tender.
Seasoning the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss them well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This step ensures that the chicken bites are flavorful and delicious.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once the butter is hot and bubbling, add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Now that the chicken is perfectly cooked, it’s time to prepare the garlic butter sauce that will coat the chicken bites with incredible flavor.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is what makes these chicken bites so irresistible. It’s rich, buttery, and packed with fresh garlic and herbs. Follow these steps to make the sauce.
Melting the Butter and Sautéing the Garlic
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Adding the Chicken Stock
Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the chicken stock. Stir the mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step deglazes the pan and adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
Incorporating the Herbs and Seasonings
Next, add the soy sauce, chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Now that the garlic butter sauce is ready, it’s time to bring it all together by adding the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce
Bringing the chicken and sauce together is the final step in making these delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Follow these steps to coat the chicken in the flavorful sauce.
Adding the Chicken Back to the Skillet
Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
Ensuring Even Coating
Use a spatula or tongs to gently stir the chicken bites, making sure they are evenly coated with the sauce. This step ensures that every bite is packed with the rich, buttery, garlicky flavor that makes this dish so special.
Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is fully coated and heated through, it’s time to add any finishing touches. Sprinkle a little extra fresh thyme or rosemary over the top for a burst of color and flavor. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bit of brightness, if desired.
Now that your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy them!
Serving and Enjoying
Your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are now ready to be enjoyed. Here’s how to serve them up for the best experience.
Plating the Chicken Bites
Transfer the garlic butter chicken bites to a serving platter. Arrange them neatly, making sure they look as appetizing as they taste. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the chicken bites for an extra burst of flavor.
Suggested Accompaniments
These chicken bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to complement your dish:
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus adds a fresh and healthy element to the meal.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken bites over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and hearty side that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken bites.
Enjoying the Chicken Bites
Now comes the best part—digging in! These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the skillet. Gather your family and friends, serve up the chicken with your favorite sides, and savor the delicious combination of garlic, butter, and herbs in every bite.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Conclusion
Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites at home is a simple and rewarding experience. With this recipe, you can easily create a delicious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these chicken bites are sure to impress. Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy making and eating these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites as much as I do. Happy cooking!