Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites You Need to Try

Garlic butter chicken bites—oh, where to begin? It’s like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food, but with a zesty twist!

Picture this: succulent pieces of chicken, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s as rich as Elon Musk’s latest Twitter escapade.

They’re perfect for those nights when you want something quick yet utterly satisfying—like finding a five-dollar bill in an old coat pocket.

Steps

Preheat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a better sear.
Mix flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then evenly coat the chicken pieces with this mixture. Make sure all the flour sticks to the chicken by tossing it well.
In the skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing the butter to melt quickly. Tilt the pan to ensure an even coating.

Arrange the chicken in a single layer, ensuring spaces between pieces to prevent steaming. Cook for about 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until almost fully cooked.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in small pieces, along with the garlic and parsley. Cook for 1 more minute until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.

3 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
All-purpose flour (sufficient to coat the chicken)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
Approximately 3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter (divided)
Fresh garlic (to taste)
Fresh parsley (to taste)

Can I substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Opt for boneless, skinless thighs and trim any visible fat. You might need to cook them for about an extra minute to ensure they are cooked through.
What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
For a quick and complementary side dish, consider serving the chicken with lemon couscous, a lemony pasta, or parmesan pasta. You can also pair it with no-knead bread or sautéed/steamed vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or broccoli.
Can I use different types of flour in this recipe?
Yes, if you don’t have all-purpose flour on hand, you can use bread flour or even cake flour as a substitute in this recipe.
Is it possible to use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
While fresh parsley is recommended for its flavor, you can double up on dried herbs if you prefer. Alternatively, you can mix in other dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for added flavor.
What is the best type of oil to use for cooking these chicken bites?
It is suggested to use standard refined olive oil rather than extra-virgin olive oil, as it has a higher smoke point and is more suitable for pan-searing the chicken.

Ensure Chicken is Dry: Before coating the chicken with flour and seasonings, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve a better sear, resulting in a more flavorful and crispy exterior.
Maintain Space in the Pan: When searing the chicken, arrange the pieces in a single layer with some space between them. This prevents the chicken from steaming and helps ensure it browns nicely.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for achieving the best flavor in this dish, so avoid using pre-minced or garlic powder.
Customize with Herbs: Feel free to double the amount of parsley if you prefer a more robust herb flavor. Additionally, adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can provide a fresh, tangy finish.