Garlic Butter Chicken Bites (Print Version)

Juicy chicken pieces coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, ideal for quick weeknight meals or gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Garlic Butter Sauce

06 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
08 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

# Steps:

01 - Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in a single layer and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the skillet to release browned bits. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
05 - Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
06 - Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve immediately.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than takeout but tastes infinitely better than anything you'd order.
  • The chicken stays tender and juicy because you're not overthinking it, just letting the butter and garlic do their thing.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and works as a main dish or elegant appetizer depending on your mood.
02 -
  • Don't skip drying the chicken—water is the enemy of that gorgeous crust you're after.
  • Once the chicken is done, don't let it sit in the sauce too long or it'll dry out; make the sauce quickly and toss everything together at the last moment.
03 -
  • The moment you add the garlic, watch it closely—garlic burns fast and bitter garlic will haunt your entire dish, so stay present for that one minute.
  • Save a little pasta water or extra broth on the side in case your sauce reduces too much; you can always add a splash to loosen it up.
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