Description
Tender, juicy chicken bites seared to perfection and coated in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. A quick and easy appetizer or main course!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Cubes: Trim chicken breasts of excess fat. Cut into roughly 1-inch cubes, trying to keep them uniform in size.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium-high heat. Preheat for a few minutes.
- Sear the Chicken: Add seasoned chicken cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
- Remove from Skillet: Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine, deglazing the pan.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Parsley, Lemon Juice, and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in chopped parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the cooked chicken cubes to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the garlic butter chicken bites immediately while hot and juicy.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Trim excess fat before cubing.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. Omit for less spice, add cayenne pepper for more.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken bites before serving.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary in the garlic butter sauce.
- Wine: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic, let it reduce slightly before adding chicken broth.
- Make it a Meal: Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook seasoned chicken in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through. Toss with garlic butter sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes