Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast coated with garlic powder and cornstarch, pan-fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy stovetop recipe delivers a flavorful, juicy dish that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooking Fat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more as needed)
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the chicken and toss well to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Heat the Pan: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to become hot enough to sear the chicken properly.
- Cook the Chicken (Batch 1): Add half of the chicken pieces to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side, then flip each piece and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating they are fully cooked. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Cook the Chicken (Batch 2): If the pan looks dry, add a little more olive oil, up to 1 tablespoon. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, then transfer to the plate with the first batch.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for one minute. Then add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook while stirring almost constantly for 1-2 minutes, making sure the garlic softens but does not burn. If necessary, briefly return the pan to medium heat to complete this step.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return all the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear and prevent sticking.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken; this helps in even browning.
- If garlic begins to brown too quickly or burn, reduce the heat immediately.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- For a gluten-free variation, cornstarch is suitable, but check the label to be sure.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, quick chicken recipe, bite-sized chicken, pan-fried chicken, garlic butter sauce, easy dinner, chicken appetizer
