Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil (for seasoning chicken)
0.5 tsp salt, or to taste
0.25 tsp black pepper, or to taste
0.5 tsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
6–8 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
0.25 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp olive oil. Once shimmering, add half of the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and cooked through. Remove the first batch of chicken from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Step 3: Once all chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Return all the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and add the fresh parsley. Toss everything gently to coat the chicken thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, thickening slightly.
Step 6: Remove from heat. If desired, stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
For best results, use fresh garlic and avoid overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 150g
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, chicken bites, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, quick chicken, garlic chicken, butter chicken, chicken appetizer

