Description
Tender garlic butter chicken bites, perfectly seasoned and sautéed until golden brown. This quick and easy dish is ideal for weeknight dinners and pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and prep them for cooking.
- Cut the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried Italian herbs. Mix the spices in a small bowl first for even coverage.
- Let the seasoned chicken sit for 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes without stirring to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
- If using, add red pepper flakes and stir for a minute to release their flavor.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately, either on its own or over rice, pasta, or alongside a salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating gently.
Notes
- For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli after cooking the chicken.
- To make the dish heartier, toss in some cooked pasta or rice at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes