Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Golden Garlicky Goodness
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Golden Garlicky Good
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a quick bite? Ever wondered how to elevate the humble chicken nugget? Let's talk about garlic butter chicken bites .
These aren't your average nibbles; they're packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make.
What's the Story Behind These Bites?
These little morsels are inspired by classic French cuisine, but with a down-to-earth, weeknight twist. They're basically a simplified version of garlic butter chicken thighs , offering all the deliciousness in a fraction of the time.
Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy chicken recipe makes 4 servings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, the best part is the garlic butter sauce . It's rich, garlicky, and utterly addictive. This chicken appetizer recipes is perfect for a casual get-together, or just a satisfying weeknight chicken dinner .
I once served these at a garden party, and they vanished in minutes! It is a healthier chicken nugget alternative since the chicken is pan-fried not deep fried.
Let's Talk Ingredients
Time for the good stuff. We're using simple ingredients to create something truly special. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite of this creamy garlic chicken bites .
Ingredients & Equipment for the BEST Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Alright, let's talk ingredients! This garlic butter chicken bites recipe is all about fresh, simple flavors. Honestly, that is the secret for an easy chicken recipe and getting those chicken appetizer recipes just right.
Plus, who doesn't love anything with garlic butter ?
Main Ingredients: The Chicken & More
For the chicken bites recipe , you'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into 1 inch (2.
5cm) cubes. Quality chicken makes a huge difference. Look for plump, pink chicken with no weird smells. You will also need 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour, and 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil for searing.
Next, the magical garlic butter sauce . Grab 6 tablespoons (85g) of unsalted butter the good stuff! You'll need 6 cloves of fresh garlic, minced.
Jarred just won't cut it here, you know? Add 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth (or white wine for a fancy twist!).
Grab 2 tablespoons (30ml) of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of chopped fresh parsley too.
Seasoning: Get Your Flavors Right
This is where the magic happens! For the chicken, you will need 1 teaspoon (5ml) of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2.
5ml) of paprika. And 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) each of salt and black pepper.
The sauce itself is pretty simple: salt and pepper to taste. Want a kick? Add 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) of red pepper flakes.
Don't be afraid to tweak it to your liking! The best creamy garlic chicken bites start with the right seasoning.
Think about how garlic butter chicken thighs could use these flavors! It's a fantastic chicken nugget alternative .
Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple
Good news! You don't need a ton of fancy equipment. A large skillet or frying pan is key. A mixing bowl for coating the chicken.
Measuring cups and spoons. A cutting board and a sharp chef's knife. If you don't have a skillet, a large frying pan will do just fine.
And honestly, who doesn't have a frying pan? I know you want to make some pan fried chicken bites tonight! A perfect quick weeknight chicken dinner !
Cooking Method: Pan-Fried Perfection for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Fancy a right tasty weeknight chicken dinner ? How about some pan fried chicken bites in a dreamy garlic butter sauce ? Honestly, who doesn't? We're diving into pan-frying these garlic butter chicken bites a method that’s quick, easy, and delivers seriously golden brown results.
Think of it as the chicken nugget alternative your inner child (and sophisticated adult palate) craves.
Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place is key. Chop that chicken into 1 inch cubes. Measure out all your spices and flour.
Mince your garlic. Get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This saves you from a mad scramble later, trust me.
It's important to make sure the chicken is in similar sizes, making sure even cooking.
Now, for a time saving tip, line up your ingredients in the order you'll need them. This creates a smooth workflow.
Safety wise, always wash your hands after handling raw chicken and use a separate cutting board. You know, common sense stuff!
Step-by-Step: Turning Chicken into Golden Goodness
Here’s how to get these garlic butter chicken pieces perfectly cooked.
- Combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss in the chicken cubes and coat them well.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of brown. Work in batches if needed.
- Cook for about 6- 8 minutes , turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Remove chicken from the skillet. Set aside to rest while you whip up that garlic butter sauce .
- In the same skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Don't burn the garlic or it will taste nasty.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2- 3 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of parsley and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Add the chicken back to the pan, tossing to coat.
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Chicken Game
Honestly, fresh garlic is a must for the sauce. It makes a massive difference. One common mistake is overcrowding the pan; it will result in pale looking boiled chicken.
If you want to make things even easier, the garlic butter sauce can be made ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, and warm it up when you're ready to cook the chicken.
For a delightful variation, try these with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts! Also, you can find more tasty chicken appetizer recipes for your chicken bites recipe repertoire!
Recipe Notes: Let's Talk Chicken!
Alright, you're about to whip up some garlic butter chicken bites . Before you start, let's cover a few bits. It's all about making these the absolute best.
We all want that, don't we?
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Shine!
Presentation is key, innit? Think about how you want to plate these creamy garlic chicken bites . I like to pile them high on a platter, garnish with extra parsley, and maybe a lemon wedge.
Bang!
For sides, proper chips (fries) are always a winner with garlic butter chicken . Rice or creamy mashed potatoes are lush too, soaking up that delicious garlic butter sauce .
And a bit of broccoli or green beans balances it all out. And don't forget some crusty bread for dipping.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!
Got leftovers? Honestly, I rarely do. But if you have the willpower, here's the drill. Pop those pan fried chicken bites in an airtight container and into the fridge.
They'll be good for 3-4 days .
Freezing? It’s doable, but the texture changes a bit. The garlic butter sauce might separate slightly. Still tasty, just not quite as perfect.
To reheat, microwave (not the best) or gently pan-fry until heated through. Just make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) to be safe.
Variations: Spice It Up (or Not)!
Fancy a bit of a twist? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce . Boom! Spicy garlic butter chicken bites !
Want something sweeter? A drizzle of honey in the sauce is a great idea. Also, this recipe is great chicken nugget alternative
Need a dietary swap? Use gluten free flour for a gluten free version. Swap out the breasts for garlic butter chicken thighs . They will be more rich!
Nutrition Basics: Quick Look!
Each serving of these little beauties clocks in around 450 calories. You get a whopping 45g of protein, 25g of fat, and 10g of carbs.
Remember, this is approximate, it depends on your ingredients. Plus, garlic is good for you!
Honestly, these garlic butter chicken bites are a winner. It's such an easy chicken recipe even on a weeknight chicken dinner .
Have a go and don’t be afraid to experiment! You will love it ! And you've got some new great chicken appetizer recipes !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these garlic butter chicken bites ahead of time?
You can, but they're best enjoyed fresh! The chicken will be at its crispiest right after cooking. If you need to prep ahead, cook the chicken and the sauce separately. Store them in the fridge, and then reheat the chicken in the sauce just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Think of it like making a Sunday roast - the fresher, the better!
How do I store leftover garlic butter chicken bites?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them (though the chicken might lose some crispiness) or gently warm them in a skillet over medium low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help rehydrate the sauce.
They are like a tasty little treat from the day before!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for these garlic butter chicken bites?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will result in a richer, more flavorful bite. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cutting them into cubes. They might take a little longer to cook through completely, so keep an eye on the internal temperature (165°F/74°C).
It is a bit like opting for gammon over chicken!
What can I serve with these garlic butter chicken bites to make a complete meal?
These garlic butter chicken bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them over rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad also make excellent pairings.
For a more indulgent treat, you could even serve them with chips (fries) and some aioli a proper pub classic in the making!
How can I make these garlic butter chicken bites spicier?
If you fancy a bit of a kick, there are several ways to add spice! A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce will do the trick. You could also increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add some finely chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
Just add a dash of spice like you would to your Curry!
Are there any gluten free alternatives for the flour in this garlic butter chicken bites recipe?
Yes, you can easily make these gluten free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch. Make sure to check that your other ingredients, like chicken broth, are also gluten free.
This will ensure everyone can tuck into these tasty morsels, no matter their dietary requirements.
