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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites - Quick, Juicy, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (optional, for a lighter sauce)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Dry chicken browns better. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Preheat your pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. You want the pan hot enough to sear, not smoke.
  3. Sear in batches: Add half the chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan or you’ll steam it. Cook 3–4 minutes without moving, flip, and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Repeat: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the rest of the chicken the same way. Transfer to the plate with the first batch.
  5. Build the garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted and foamy, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown.
  6. Deglaze (optional but recommended): Pour in the chicken broth or a splash of water to lift the browned bits from the pan. Stir and simmer for 30–60 seconds to slightly reduce.
  7. Return the chicken: Add the chicken back to the pan along with any juices on the plate. Toss to coat in the garlic butter.
  8. Finish with freshness: Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and thyme. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you like more sauce, add a small knob of butter or a splash of broth.
  9. Serve: Plate immediately with your favorite sides. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.