![- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced finely - 1 large lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients make the dish shine. The chicken thighs give a tender bite. Garlic adds a strong aroma. Lemon brings brightness and tang. Butter makes everything rich and smooth. Thyme and paprika add depth and warmth. - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro - A splash of white wine for extra richness - Honey for a touch of sweetness Adding some of these can make your dish unique. Red pepper flakes can spice things up. Fresh herbs can add a pop of freshness. A splash of wine creates a deeper flavor. Honey can balance the tartness of lemon. - Large skillet for cooking - Cutting board for prepping the chicken - Sharp knife for cutting the chicken - Measuring spoons for accuracy - Tongs for turning the chicken These tools will help you cook efficiently. A large skillet allows even cooking. A cutting board keeps the workspace tidy. A sharp knife ensures safe and quick cutting. Measuring spoons keep your flavors balanced. Tongs help with easy flipping and serving. For the detailed cooking steps and more, check the Full Recipe. Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced finely - 1 large lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. As it melts, season the chicken thighs with paprika, salt, and pepper. This step adds great flavor. Once the butter is bubbling, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Spread them out evenly for the best sear. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionally until it turns golden brown on all sides. This browning adds depth to the dish. When done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Once fragrant, stir in the lemon juice and zest, along with the dried thyme. Let this simmer for 1-2 minutes. This step melds all the flavors together. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss it in the lemon garlic butter sauce until well coated. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb the sauce and heat through completely. Once finished, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken bites for a vibrant look. Serve the chicken bites in a large dish or individual bowls. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top. Add lemon wedges and extra parsley for an inviting presentation. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To get juicy chicken, use boneless, skinless thighs. They cook faster and stay moist. Cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet. This gives a nice brown crust. Cook it for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always check for doneness; the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. For a richer sauce, use high-quality butter. Add fresh herbs like rosemary or basil. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. A splash of white wine adds depth, too. For extra zing, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning. Every bite should burst with flavor. Prep your ingredients before you start cooking. Chop garlic and zest the lemon ahead of time. Use a sharp knife for quick cutting. Consider using a pre-made garlic butter if you’re short on time. You can also marinate the chicken a few hours before cooking. This step adds flavor and cuts down on cooking time. Feel free to explore the [Full Recipe] for complete instructions! {{image_4}} You can swap chicken thighs for other proteins. Try shrimp for a quick cook. Just sauté until they turn pink. You can use pork tenderloin, cut into small pieces. It cooks fast and absorbs flavor well. Even beef cubes work if you like a heartier bite. Adjust cooking time to match the protein you choose. For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms or tofu. Both soak up flavors like a sponge. Sauté mushrooms until golden brown. For tofu, press to remove water, then cut into cubes. Cook until crispy on all sides. Toss these in the lemon garlic butter sauce just like the chicken. If you have allergies, there are easy swaps. Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. You can replace garlic with garlic powder if you're sensitive to fresh garlic. For a low-sodium version, use less salt and a salt substitute. Adjust the recipe to fit your taste and needs. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas and details! To keep your leftover chicken bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool to room temperature first. Store the container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to three days. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. Reheating is simple! You can use a skillet or microwave. For the skillet, heat a little butter over medium heat. Add the chicken bites and stir until warmed through. This keeps the flavors intact. If using a microwave, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. If you want to freeze the chicken bites, make sure they are cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then reheat them as mentioned above. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites again! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and will cook faster. Just make sure to cut it into similar bite-sized pieces. You may need to adjust the cooking time to keep it juicy. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed rice - Pasta with olive oil - Roasted vegetables - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread These options balance the rich flavors of the chicken and add variety to your meal. This recipe is not spicy. It focuses on lemon, garlic, and herbs for flavor. If you want some heat, you can add red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. To keep the chicken juicy, follow these tips: - Do not overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. - Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside. - Use the butter and garlic sauce generously. It adds moisture and flavor. Following these steps will help you achieve tender and juicy chicken bites. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog covered how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. We looked at key and optional ingredients, as well as the tools you need. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfect chicken. We explored variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Now, you have all the tools to whip up this dish with ease. Enjoy cooking and share your tasty results!](https://fastmealmate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/97cbb791-292c-4238-a79b-781f43956dc5-300x300.webp)
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Savor the flavors of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, a delightful dish that's both quick and satisfying! With tender chicken thighs sautéed in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare and will surely impress your family and friends. Ready to make a tasty meal? Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!