Description
Quick and easy crispy garlic butter chicken bites infused with fresh herbs, perfect for a flavorful snack or casual dinner. Juicy chicken pieces coated in a light flour crust and cooked in garlic butter with a fresh herb finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour/chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Zest of one lemon
- Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces with paper towels. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl or plate. Toss the chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.
- Warm the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
- Add the chicken bites in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp on the bottom.
- Flip each piece and immediately spoon or dollop the garlic butter mixture over the chicken. Cook another 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken bites and toss gently to combine.
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with extra fresh herbs or lemon zest if desired, and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Use medium heat to prevent burning the garlic butter. Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve brightness. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or chickpea flour. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 oz (115 g) c
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, crispy chicken bites, herb infused chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, gluten-free option, dairy-free option, pan-fried chicken