Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are coated in savory seasonings, then pan-fried to golden crispness and finished with fragrant garlic butter. This simple recipe comes together in under 30 minutes for an easy dinner win.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1″ pieces
- 5 tablespoons vegan butter (divided, see notes if on Whole30)
- 1/4 cup arrowroot or potato starch (see notes for Keto)
- 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute or Mrs. Dash
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the cubed chicken to a large bowl or reusable zip-top bag. Sprinkle all the seasonings and the starch onto the chicken, then stir or toss until each piece is well coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegan butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan.
- Step 3: Cook the chicken until golden brown with crispy edges, about 5 minutes per side. Avoid moving the pieces too much to develop a nice crust.
- Step 4: When the chicken is mostly browned, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegan butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is lightly browned and fragrant, and the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside.
- Step 5: Celebrate that dinner is ready so quickly! Serve immediately. For a fast, balanced meal, pair with microwave-steamed rice or cauliflower rice and some green beans.
Tips & Variations
- If following Whole30, substitute vegan butter with ghee or a compliant fat.
- Use arrowroot starch for a lighter coating or potato starch for extra crispiness.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
- For a Keto-friendly option, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of starch.
Storage
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain the crispy texture, or warm in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to stay more juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly, ensuring they are cooked through and nicely browned.
What if I don’t have the specific seasoning blends mentioned?
You can substitute with your favorite herb and spice mix or simply use a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme and oregano.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe features tender, juicy chicken breast pieces cooked to golden perfection in a savory garlic butter sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, these flavorful bites make a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option that pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1” pieces
- 1/4 cup arrowroot or potato starch
- 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute or Mrs. Dash seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauté
- 5 tablespoons vegan butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to a large bowl or reusable zip-top bag. Add all the seasonings and the starch to the bowl or bag. Stir or toss until the chicken pieces are well coated evenly with the mixture.
- Heat the pan and add butter: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegan butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until hot and melted.
- Cook chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer to the pan. Cook without moving until the bottom side develops brown crispy bits, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for approximately 5 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add remaining butter and garlic: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegan butter and 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic to the pan with the chicken. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is lightly browned and fragrant and the chicken is fully cooked with no pink inside.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or cauliflower rice and green beans that you can quickly steam in the microwave while the chicken cooks.
- Storage: Freeze any leftover chicken bites in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Notes
- If following Whole30, use approved compliant butter alternatives instead of vegan butter.
- Arrowroot or potato starch are used here as a gluten-free coating; for Keto, use a suitable low-carb flour alternative as needed.
- This recipe cooks quickly and is ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly and there is no pink remaining before serving.
- Optional: pair with steamed vegetables or quick microwaveable rice options for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Chicken Bites, Quick Dinner, Gluten Free Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe
