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High Protein Garlic Butter Chicken Bites - Quick, Juicy, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (split, plus more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
  • 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or chives)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
  • Optional for extra browning: 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dry chicken browns better. Toss it in a bowl with 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. For a lightly crisp exterior, sprinkle in cornstarch and toss again.
  2. Heat the pan: Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter foams and just starts to brown, you’re ready to cook.
  3. Sear in batches: Add half the chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan. Cook 3–4 minutes without moving, until golden on the bottom. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding a touch more oil if needed.
  4. Make the garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the empty pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
  5. Deglaze and season: Squeeze in the lemon juice and scrape up the browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Add Italian seasoning or thyme if using. Taste and adjust salt.
  6. Coat the chicken: Return all chicken (and any juices) to the pan. Toss to coat in the garlic butter for 30–60 seconds. Sprinkle with parsley.
  7. Serve: Plate immediately with lemon wedges. Add a final pinch of salt and pepper if needed.