Go Back
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe - Recipes From Chef

I have a deep love for cooking. There’s something magical about creating dishes that not only fill bellies but also warm hearts. Today, I’m sharing a treat that always makes my family gather around the kitchen.
 The Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delightful dish bursting with flavor. They’re quick to whip up, require minimal ingredients, and taste like heaven. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together, shall we?
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 9 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into 1 1/4-inch chunks
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted European-style butter, divided
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly minced garlic about 4 large cloves
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 tsp rustic Italian herb blend
  • 2 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 Tbsp finely snipped flat-leaf parsley

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Start by cutting your chicken breast fillets into bite-sized pieces. The chunks should be about 1 1/4 inches for even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel; this will help the chicken sear better. 
    Season the pieces with salt, pepper, and the rustic Italian herb blend. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor!
Step 2: Heat the Pan
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, introduce half of the butter into the pan. Let it melt and combine with the oil. The aroma of the butter will get your kitchen smelling incredible already.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
  1. After the butter has melted, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they become golden brown. The beauty of this step lies in watching the chicken transform from pale to a beautiful golden hue.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Flour
  1. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet temporarily. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the remaining butter. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Careful, though; burnt garlic loses its charm!
    Now is the time to sprinkle in the flour. Stir continuously to create a roux with the butter and garlic. Allow it to cook for about a minute to eliminate that raw flour taste.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
  1. Slowly pour in a bit of water or chicken broth, stirring continuously. This will thicken the sauce. You want a consistency that nicely coats the back of a spoon. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and lemon zest at this point.
Step 6: Combine Everything
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it to coat with the rich garlic butter sauce. Allow everything to simmer for another two minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb the delicious flavors from the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
  1. Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the finely snipped flat-leaf parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Now, your garlic butter chicken bites are ready to be devoured!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic has a flavor profile that dried garlic simply can’t match. It’s worth the effort!
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid crowding the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, resulting in less flavor.
  • Let the Butter Brown: Don’t rush melting the butter. Allow it to brown slightly for a nutty flavor that will elevate your dish.
  • Adjust Heat Wisely: Pay attention to the heat. Too high, and the garlic burns. Too low, and your chicken won't sear correctly.
  • Make It Saucy: If you love a saucier dish, feel free to add more chicken broth. You’ll have more delicious sauce to soak up.