Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, flavorful pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then cooked to golden perfection in a skillet with a luscious garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty protein addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika
- 3/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Cooking Fats
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Pat Dry Chicken: Use paper towels to pat the chicken pieces dry thoroughly which helps achieve a better sear during cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and evenly coat them with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all pieces are well-seasoned.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Lower heat to medium and arrange chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5-8 minutes total, flipping every 2-3 minutes to brown all sides evenly. The internal temperature at this stage should be about 150-155°F (66-68°C), indicating the chicken is browned but not fully cooked.
- Finish Cooking with Butter: Reduce heat to low and add the unsalted butter pieces to the skillet. Stir to coat chicken evenly. Continue cooking for 1-3 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken bites for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan to get a good sear on the chicken.
- You can substitute fresh garlic minced into the butter for an extra garlicky taste.
- Serve these chicken bites with rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid any food safety issues.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
