Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces of boneless chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy stovetop dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or appetizer, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim off any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into 1 1/2-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season all sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the skillet: Turn on your range hood if available. Heat a large 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to sizzle and brown slightly.
- Sear the chicken bites: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without moving them. Let them sear until they are opaque about two-thirds through and well browned on the bottom, approximately 4 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the other side is browned and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken bites to a bowl or dish and set aside.
- Sauté garlic in butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the chopped garlic. Stir and sauté using a wooden spatula to lift any browned bits from the pan bottom, cooking the garlic until fragrant and softened but not browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toss chicken in garlic butter: Remove the pan from heat and return the chicken bites to the skillet. Toss to coat all pieces evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites; you can substitute chicken breasts but may be less tender.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry to get a good sear and browning.
- Adjust the garlic quantity to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Use a cast iron or stainless steel skillet for the best browning results.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked at 165ºF.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for color and brightness, though this is optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (about 5-6 chicken bites)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
