Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this skillet recipe?

Absolutely, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts for this garlic butter chicken bites skillet recipe. They tend to be a bit more forgiving and remain incredibly juicy even if cooked slightly longer, thanks to their higher fat content. The richer flavor of chicken thighs also pairs wonderfully with the robust garlic butter sauce. Simply cut them into 1-inch pieces, just like you would with chicken breast, and follow the rest of the cooking instructions for a similarly delicious and satisfying meal.

Is this garlic butter chicken bites recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this garlic butter chicken bites skillet recipe is very much keto-friendly! The main ingredients—chicken, butter, garlic, and seasonings—are all low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein, making them perfect for a ketogenic diet. Just be mindful of what you choose to serve alongside your chicken. Opt for low-carb vegetable sides like steamed broccoli, asparagus, spinach, or a fresh salad instead of rice, potatoes, or pasta to keep the meal fully keto-compliant. It’s a flavorful and satisfying option for those following a low carb lifestyle.

How long does it take to make garlic butter chicken bites skillet?

One of the most appealing aspects of this garlic butter chicken bites skillet is its incredible speed! From start to finish, you can typically have this delicious meal on your table in under 30 minutes. The prep time for cutting the chicken and mincing garlic is usually around 5-10 minutes. The actual cooking time in the skillet is very quick, with searing taking about 6-8 minutes and the garlic butter infusion and finishing touches taking another 5-7 minutes. It's truly a perfect recipe for those busy weeknights when you need a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dinner.

The Magic of Garlic: More Than Just Flavor

The star of our dish, garlic, brings an incredible aromatic depth and pungent flavor that defines our garlic butter chicken bites skillet. Beyond its culinary contributions, garlic has a rich history of being valued for its health benefits. It's known for its potent antioxidant properties and has been traditionally used to support immune health and cardiovascular wellness. The strong compounds released when garlic is crushed or chopped are responsible for both its distinctive taste and many of its beneficial effects. Did you know garlic has been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes? Learn more about its fascinating history and uses on Wikipedia's Garlic page.

7 Easy & Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Skillet: Your

Name: Easy & Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 6–8 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional); 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish); 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter
6–8 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder (if using).
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Step 4: Toss chicken in the garlic butter sauce for a minute or two to coat and warm through.
Step 5: Stir in fresh parsley and chives during the last few seconds of cooking or sprinkle generously before serving.
Step 6: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve a golden-brown crust. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Author: Mike
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 400
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 12
Unsaturated Fat: 13
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 3
Fiber: 1
Protein: 45
Cholesterol: 180

Keywords: chicken, garlic butter, skillet, weeknight meal, easy, quick