Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces of chicken breast cooked to golden perfection in a skillet with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Seasoned with herbs and spices, and finished with Parmesan cheese, this quick and easy stovetop recipe delivers a delicious meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to heat up thoroughly to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken Pieces: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces ensuring they are even in size for consistent cooking.
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in browning.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried parsley, coating all sides well.
- Add Olive Oil to Skillet: Pour the olive oil into the hot skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet in a single layer without overcrowding, and cook for about 6-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to brown all sides and ensure the chicken cooks through.
- Remove Chicken: Once fully cooked and golden brown, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Melt Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt completely.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
- Combine Chicken and Garlic Butter: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the chicken and stir gently to combine.
- Final Cooking: Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes allowing the cheese to melt and coat the chicken bites nicely.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chicken and add additional salt or pepper if desired to suit your taste.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter chicken bites hot. Optionally garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to allow proper browning and avoid steaming.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
