15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner option? Look no further! These 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight or when you need a delicious meal in a pinch, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for those busy nights when you don’t have much time to cook.

Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with tender chicken bites.

Versatile: Serve these chicken bites over pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They’re also great as an appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

To make these tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once the butter is hot and bubbly, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet.

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.

4. Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce until the chicken is well coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired. The lemon adds a nice bright flavor that complements the richness of the garlic butter.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To ensure the chicken browns nicely, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or extra herbs for more depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for serving them:

• Over Pasta: Toss the chicken bites with cooked pasta and a little extra butter or olive oil for a comforting meal.
• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
• As a Salad Topper: These chicken bites make an excellent protein addition to a fresh green salad.
• As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks as a quick and tasty appetizer at your next gathering.

Variations

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese during the last minute of cooking for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken Bites: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for some extra heat.
• Herbed Butter Chicken Bites: Mix in some fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers (though they’re so delicious, you might not!), store the chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals until warm.

Conclusion

These 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect solution for a quick and flavorful meal. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Whether you serve them as a main course or a tasty appetizer, they’re sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your new go-to weeknight dinner!

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