Garlic chicken bites are a quick and flavorful dish made with bite-sized chicken pieces, garlic, butter, and lemon juice. Ready in just 20 minutes, these tender and juicy chicken bites are pan-seared to create a perfect crust and tossed in a delicious garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, divided

• 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Coat the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, then add the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the chicken is fully coated.

2. Brown the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces, spacing them evenly apart. Let them cook without moving for about 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Make the garlic butter sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Toss and serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, then add lemon juice and fresh parsley. Toss everything together to coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce and serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: 413 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 4g

• Protein: 33g

• Fat: 29g

• Saturated Fat: 16g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 9g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 158mg

• Sodium: 567mg

• Potassium: 596mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 818 IU

• Vitamin C: 4mg

• Calcium: 29mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Appeal of Garlic Chicken Bites

What sets garlic chicken bites apart is their delightful balance of flavors and textures. The chicken pieces are coated in a crispy crust, created by the combination of olive oil, flour, and a mix of spices. Once seared to perfection, the chicken bites are bathed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce, enhanced by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. This combination of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors is what makes garlic chicken bites so irresistible.

Additionally, the chicken pieces remain juicy and tender inside, while the outer layer is crispy and golden. The garlic butter sauce provides the perfect finishing touch, making each bite rich and flavorful. It’s a meal that’s guaranteed to impress, whether you’re preparing it for your family, guests, or just treating yourself to a comforting meal.

Why Garlic Chicken Bites Are the Perfect Weeknight Dinner

One of the main reasons garlic chicken bites are so popular is because they are incredibly easy and quick to prepare. The entire dish can be made in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen. Garlic chicken bites, however, can be prepared in a short amount of time without sacrificing flavor or quality. The simple ingredients come together beautifully in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Another benefit of this dish is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your preferences. For instance, you could add vegetables to the pan, such as bell peppers or spinach, to increase the nutritional value and add extra color. You could also swap the chicken for another protein, such as shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version. With just a few adjustments, garlic chicken bites can become a meal that caters to various dietary preferences and restrictions.

How to Achieve Perfectly Seared Chicken

To make garlic chicken bites as flavorful as possible, achieving the perfect sear is key. The chicken should be cooked in a hot pan with just the right amount of oil and butter to form a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Start by tossing the chicken pieces in olive oil, flour, and spices. This helps create a thin coating on the chicken, allowing it to crisp up nicely when it hits the pan. By cooking the chicken in batches, you ensure each piece gets enough space to brown properly. The chicken should be placed in the pan and left undisturbed for about 3 minutes, allowing the bottom to develop a beautiful golden crust. Once the chicken is flipped and cooked through, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is perfectly cooked.

The Magic of Garlic Butter Sauce

While the chicken provides the base of the dish, the real magic happens when the garlic butter sauce is made. The garlic, butter, and lemon juice work together to create a sauce that’s full of flavor and complements the chicken perfectly. The garlic, when sautéed in butter, becomes aromatic and slightly sweet, providing a depth of flavor that infuses every piece of chicken. The lemon juice adds brightness, cutting through the richness of the butter and balancing the flavors.

After the chicken is cooked and removed from the pan, the remaining butter is used to cook the garlic and create the sauce. This technique allows you to capture all the caramelized bits of chicken left in the pan, giving the sauce an extra layer of flavor. Once the sauce is ready, simply toss the chicken back in, ensuring every piece is coated in the fragrant garlic butter sauce.

A Touch of Freshness: Parsley and Lemon Juice

To elevate the dish and add a fresh element, lemon juice and fresh parsley are added at the end. The bright, zesty lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, adding a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors. The fresh parsley provides a pop of color and a slight herbal note that ties everything together. These finishing touches not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.

Nutritional Benefits of Garlic Chicken Bites

Garlic chicken bites are not only delicious, but they also offer a variety of nutritional benefits. The dish is a great source of protein, with each serving containing around 33 grams. This makes it a filling option that will keep you satisfied throughout the evening. The chicken itself provides essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, and potassium, all of which play vital roles in maintaining your overall health.

While the recipe does contain butter, it’s important to note that it also includes healthy fats from the olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats. These fats are considered heart-healthy and can contribute to lowering bad cholesterol levels. The addition of fresh parsley provides a small dose of vitamin A and vitamin C, further enhancing the nutritional value of the dish.

Garlic Chicken Bites Pairing Suggestions

Garlic chicken bites are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. For a lighter meal, you can pair them with a fresh salad made with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette. If you’re craving something heartier, serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is also an excellent accompaniment, allowing you to dip the crispy bread into the delicious garlic butter sauce.

For a more Mediterranean twist, you can serve the garlic chicken bites with couscous or quinoa, both of which complement the chicken’s flavors. A side of roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach would provide a nutritious balance to the richness of the garlic butter sauce. The possibilities are endless, and the beauty of this dish is that it can be customized based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys.

Conclusion

Garlic chicken bites are an easy, quick, and flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, a crispy crust, and a rich garlic butter sauce creates a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether served with a side of vegetables, rice, or pasta, garlic chicken bites are sure to become a household favorite. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they are also packed with nutrients, making them a great option for a balanced meal. With just 20 minutes of your time, you can prepare a dish that’s sure to impress family and guests alike. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor, look no further than garlic chicken bites!