15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or gathering with friends. With tender chicken pieces enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, you can serve these bites as an enticing appetizer or pair them with sides for a delightful main course. This dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal.
- Flavorful and Rich: The garlic butter sauce elevates the taste of the chicken, making every bite delectable.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer at parties or as a hearty entrée with side dishes.
- Kid-Friendly: Simple flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking of the chicken bites.
- Spatula: Ideal for flipping the chicken without breaking the pieces apart.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 20 oz 1¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp parsley (freshly chopped)
How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, combine flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until coated evenly.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt before adding the seasoned chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, move it to one side of the skillet. Add another tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the empty side. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 5: Combine and Garnish
Mix everything together in the skillet. Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites!
How to Serve 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these suggestions will help you elevate your dish.
As an Entrée
- Serve with rice: Pair the chicken bites with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Accompany with pasta: Toss the chicken bites into a light pasta dish for a hearty meal that’s ready in no time.
As an Appetizer
- Skewers: Thread the chicken bites onto skewers for easy serving and a fun presentation at parties.
- With dipping sauces: Offer a selection of dips, like ranch or garlic aioli, to complement the flavors of the chicken.
On a Salad
- Mixed greens: Place the garlic butter chicken bites on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and light option.
- Caesar salad: Add them to a classic Caesar salad for extra protein and flavor.
Wraps or Tacos
- Tortilla wraps: Use tortillas to create savory wraps filled with chicken, veggies, and your favorite sauces.
- Taco night: Transform the bites into tacos topped with salsa, avocado, and cheese for a fun twist.
How to Perfect 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
To make sure your 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Cut chicken evenly: Ensure that all pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
- Preheat your pan: A hot pan helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary; this prevents steaming and keeps them crispy.
- Use unsalted butter: This allows you to control the saltiness of your dish better.
- Fresh herbs matter: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish compared to dried herbs.
Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Pairing side dishes with your 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites can enhance your meal experience. Here are some tasty options:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce while adding extra flavor.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and balance to the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds texture and is packed with healthy ingredients.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, buttery chicken bites.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts pair well with garlic butter chicken.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent alternative that soaks up sauces nicely.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory taste of garlic butter wonderfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Use a timer and check for doneness at the 7-minute mark.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your chicken bites can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you use salt, pepper, and herbs for a tasty dish.
- Not using enough butter: A rich garlic butter sauce is key in this recipe. Don’t skimp on the butter—use the full amount for best results.
- Chopping chicken unevenly: Uneven pieces will cook at different rates. Cut your chicken into uniform bites for even cooking.
- Ignoring resting time: Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute. This step enhances flavor and tenderness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days.
Freezing 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad complement the flavors of garlic butter chicken bites perfectly.
How do I customize the flavors?
Feel free to add spices like red pepper flakes or lemon juice for added zing. You can also try different herbs.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version of this dish.
Final Thoughts
The 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick, flavorful, and versatile. Perfect as an entrée or appetizer, they can easily be tailored with your favorite herbs and spices. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful taste!
15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience the delightful simplicity of 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, a perfect solution for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. This recipe features tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can whip up these flavorful bites in no time. Serve them as an enticing appetizer or pair with sides to create a satisfying main course. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 20 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp parsley (freshly chopped)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and toss in a mixture of flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the coated chicken.
- Cook for about 5–7 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Move the chicken to one side of the skillet; add remaining butter and minced garlic to the empty side. Sauté until fragrant.
- Combine everything in the skillet, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 oz (140g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
