Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs are seared to a golden brown in butter, then tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce and garnished with fresh parsley for a simple yet delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim off any excess bits of fat from the chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into approximately 1 1/2-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle on all sides with the salt and pepper to season evenly.
- Heat the skillet and sear chicken: Turn on your range hood if available. Heat a large (12-inch) stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter sizzles and starts to brown, add the chicken bites in a single layer without crowding.
- Sear the chicken on one side: Without moving the chicken, let it sear until it turns opaque about two-thirds through and develops a well-browned crust on the bottom, around 4 minutes.
- Flip and finish cooking: Using tongs or a spatula, flip the chicken pieces over. Sear the other side until well-browned and fully cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes—ensure an internal temperature of at least 165ºF. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl or plate.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the chopped garlic. Sauté gently, using a wooden spatula to scrape up all browned bits from the pan bottom, cooking the garlic until fragrant and no longer raw but not browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toss chicken in garlic butter: Remove the skillet from heat. Return the chicken bites to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites compared to chicken breasts.
- Patting the chicken dry ensures better browning and searing.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the chicken.
- Adjust garlic quantity according to your preference for garlic intensity.
- Use an instant-read thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in a skillet to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 6 ounces chicken)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
