Butter Garlic Chicken Bites
Crispy and flavorful Butter Garlic Chicken Bites made with tender chicken pieces coated in a buttery garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile and kid-friendly recipe is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Customize easily to suit dietary preferences with gluten-free and spicy variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan Frying (can bake at 400°F/200°C for 15-20 minutes as alternative)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using cornstarch or gluten-free flour)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3–4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for gluten-free option)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Garnish and Flavor
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Optional Variations
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes (for spicy upgrade)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for cheesy twist)
- Splash of soy sauce and chopped scallions (for Asian influence)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. Season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the flour or cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Dredge each chicken piece evenly in the coating, shaking off any excess. This creates a crispy outer layer that locks in moisture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a generous amount of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Add the chicken bites in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavor.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or your choice of herbs. Serve immediately while hot and delicious.
Notes
- Dry the chicken pieces thoroughly before coating to achieve a crispier texture.
- Use fresh garlic for vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain even browning.
- Choose high-quality unsalted butter for the best taste without excess salt.
- Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness from burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 4 oz chicken bites)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: butter garlic chicken bites, crispy chicken, garlic chicken, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken bites, easy appetizers
Find it online: https://linacorner.com/butter-garlic-chicken-bites/