Description
Make quick, flavorful, high-protein chicken bites coated in a simple garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for fast weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or tenders, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
- 3 tbsp butter (for sauce)
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pat the chicken cubes dry using paper towels.
- Season the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes without moving it to develop color.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the red pepper flakes, if using.
- Add the lemon juice and swirl the pan to create a glossy sauce.
- Return the chicken bites to the skillet.
- Toss the chicken until it is fully coated with the garlic butter sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Taste the chicken and adjust the seasoning with salt, lemon juice, or pepper as needed.
- Serve the chicken hot over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or with roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Drying the chicken before searing helps you get a better sear and prevents the chicken from steaming.
- Cooking the chicken in batches keeps the skillet hot, which is key for developing a golden crust on the chicken pieces.
- This dish works well served as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop Sauté
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 130
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, Quick Dinner, Healthy Dinner, High-Protein, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Chicken Bites, Stovetop Chicken