Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Description

Succulent, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh, seared to golden perfection and tossed in a luxurious garlic-herb butter. This dish is low-carb, keto-friendly, and takes less than 20 minutes from prep to plate.

Servings & Prep

  • Prep time: 5 minutes

  • Cook time: 10–12 minutes

  • Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken breast or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil

  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter

  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced)

  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder

  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped)

  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for a kick

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder until evenly coated.

  2. Sear: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Let them sear undisturbed for 3 minutes to get a nice crust, then flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until cooked through.

  3. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Move the chicken to the sides of the pan and add the butter to the center. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic.

  4. Toss: Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown/burn). Toss the chicken back into the butter sauce to coat every piece.

  5. Finish: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 310 kcal
Protein 36g
Fat 18g
Carbs 2g
Sodium 450mg

Notes & Pro-Tips

  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: If the chicken pieces are touching, they will steam instead of sear. Use a large skillet or cook in two batches for that golden-brown crust.

  • The “Cold Butter” Trick: If you want a creamier sauce, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream right before adding the butter.

  • Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, but breasts work perfectly fine as long as you don’t overcook them.

Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Excellent for muscle repair and satiety.

  • Garlic Power: Garlic contains allicin, known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Low Carb: Naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, making it a great option for blood sugar management.

Q/A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, but it’s best fresh. If reheating, do so in a pan over low heat with an extra pat of butter to keep the chicken from drying out.

Q: What should I serve this with?

A: For a low-carb meal, try cauliflower rice or zoodles. If you want comfort food, serve it over mashed potatoes or buttered pasta.

Q: Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

A: You can, but use only 1 teaspoon of dried as it is more concentrated. However, fresh parsley really brightens the heavy butter flavor!

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