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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic - 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper - Fresh parsley For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, we focus on simple, fresh ingredients. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. I love using unsalted butter for cooking; it lets the other flavors shine. Garlic adds a rich, aromatic touch, while lemon brings in bright acidity. Dried thyme and paprika add depth without overpowering the dish. - Additional herbs (e.g., rosemary or oregano) - Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick - Chicken broth for added moisture You can boost flavor with herbs like rosemary or oregano. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Chicken broth can also add moisture and richness to the sauce. - Alternatives for butter (e.g., olive oil or ghee) - Gluten-free options for spices and seasoning If you want a dairy-free option, use olive oil or ghee instead of butter. Most spices and seasonings are naturally gluten-free, so check labels to be sure. For a full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Aim for about one inch in size. This helps them cook evenly. Next, season the chicken well. Use paprika, salt, and pepper for a tasty kick. Feel free to add your favorite herbs. Start by melting two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Keep the heat at medium. Add your chicken pieces to the skillet. Make sure not to crowd the pan. Crowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. After that, stir in the lemon juice and zest. This adds a bright flavor that pairs well with the chicken. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors. Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss it in the lemon garlic butter sauce. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the sauce. You want it to be hot and tasty. Serve immediately for the best texture. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details! Cook the chicken at the right time and heat. I recommend cooking the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. This will give you golden brown bites that are juicy. Always check that the inside is no longer pink. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in the meat. To make the chicken even tastier, try marinating it before cooking. A mix of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonders. You can let it sit for 30 minutes to a few hours. This allows the flavors to soak in well. For sides, I suggest serving it with rice or a fresh salad. Both options add balance to the meal and complement the dish. Use a heavy skillet for even cooking. Cast iron or non-stick pans are great choices. They help cook the chicken without sticking. Also, keep a spatula handy for easy flipping. After cooking, cleaning up can be quick if you use a non-stick pan. Just a little soap and water will do the trick. {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp or fish work great here. They cook quickly and soak up all the lemon garlic flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, try tofu or chickpeas. These will give a nice texture and taste. Don't be afraid to play with flavors. You can use lime or orange instead of lemon. This adds a fun twist to the dish. For a hint of sweetness, add a touch of honey or maple syrup. It balances the garlic and gives depth to every bite. You can also change how you cook these bites. An oven-baked version can be healthier. Just toss the chicken in the lemon garlic sauce and bake until golden. If you like the outdoors, try grilling the lemon garlic chicken bites. The char adds a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites 🧄 section. To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the flavor fresh. Allow the chicken to cool before sealing. Use the leftovers within three days for the best taste. Glass containers work well for storing food and reheating. They do not absorb odors. When reheating, I prefer the stovetop over the microwave. The stovetop keeps the chicken juicy. Use a pan on low heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. If you use the microwave, place the chicken in a safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes. Check often to avoid overcooking. To freeze Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place the bag in cold water for an hour. Reheat using the stovetop for the best flavor. You can serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with many sides. Here are some great ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Fresh garden salad - Rice pilaf - Quinoa with herbs Each of these pairs well with the rich garlic and lemon flavor. You can also add a tangy dressing to your salad for extra zest. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The safe cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). You can also cut a piece in the thickest part. The meat should be white, with no pink remaining. Juices should run clear when you cut into it. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time! Cook the chicken and sauce as directed. Let them cool, then store in airtight containers. For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce fresh. Yes, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are kid-friendly! To make them more appealing to children, reduce the amount of garlic and lemon. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, like ranch or honey mustard, to add fun and flavor. In this post, we covered the key ingredients for tasty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. We also discussed cooking methods, variations, and storage tips. These steps help you create a meal that everyone will enjoy. Always remember to adjust flavors to your liking. With practice, you'll master this recipe. Enjoy trying new variations and share with your loved ones for a delightful meal experience!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Savor the flavors of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with this delightful recipe! Perfectly cooked chicken thighs are bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, brightened by fresh lemon and aromatic thyme. This mouthwatering dish is quick to make, taking just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Click through to discover how to create this easy and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon (zest and juice)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

    Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and pepper.

      Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

        In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

          Stir in the lemon juice and zest, along with the dried thyme. Let the mixture simmer for about 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

            Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the lemon garlic butter sauce until well coated.

              Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.

                Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4