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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are crispy, tender pieces of chicken coated in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile dish can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. It’s perfectly seasoned and golden brown, delivering a rich, buttery garlic flavor that will delight the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch bite-sized chunks
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil or cooking oil, for frying

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 34 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or other fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as cilantro, thyme, or rosemary)

Optional Variations

  • Cayenne pepper or chili flakes, to taste (for a spicy kick)
  • Grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese, for topping
  • Lemon zest or lemon juice, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast or thighs into 1 to 1.5-inch bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Pat the pieces dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the coating stick and to avoid sogginess.
  2. Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture until each piece is evenly coated, creating a light, crunchy coating for frying.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a combination of butter and olive oil. Once the pan is sizzling, add the coated chicken bites in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add remaining butter to the same pan. Stir in the finely minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden but not burnt, allowing the butter to fully absorb the garlic’s aroma.
  5. Toss and Finish: Return the fried chicken bites to the pan with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well to coat each bite thoroughly in the luscious sauce. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or your choice of fresh herbs for color and aroma before serving.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and uneven cooking.
  • Use fresh garlic cloves for best flavor and aroma; avoid pre-minced garlic to prevent bitterness.
  • Maintain medium to medium-high heat to avoid burning while getting a perfect crisp.
  • Adjust seasoning and spice level after cooking to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or almond flour.
  • To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep bites crispy; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

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