Garlic Butter Chicken Bites (Printable version)
Golden seared chicken bites in rich garlic butter sauce
# What you need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
→ Sauce & Aromatics
05 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 5 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
10 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
11 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How to make it:
01 - Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and shimmers.
03 - Add chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining pieces if necessary.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
05 - Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant
- Everything cooks in one skillet so cleanup is practically nonexistent
02 -
- Cold chicken pieces stick to the pan, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking
- Don't rush the garlic step, burnt garlic turns bitter and ruins the whole dish
03 -
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it creates the best crust
- Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes after tossing in the sauce so it absorbs more flavor