Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was originally designed to serve 4. Quantities scale automatically, but cooking times remain the same. Note: not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
• 3/4 teaspoon granulated onion
• 3/4 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 7 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and paprika to create the seasoning mix.
2. In a separate bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of oil and the seasoning mixture. Set aside to marinate briefly.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil.
4. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are no longer pink in the center, about 7-8 minutes.
5. Push the chicken to the back of the skillet and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and saut until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and mix gently. Return the chicken to the center of the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 348
• Fat: 20g (26% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (47% DV)
• Cholesterol: 132mg (44% DV)
• Sodium: 290mg (13% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 4g (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (2% DV)
• Protein: 36g (73% DV)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
• Calcium: 40mg (3% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (8% DV)
• Potassium: 357mg (8% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may vary.

** Nutrient values are calculated from available data and may not cover all ingredients.

The Story Behind Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a modern take on classic comfort food, blending the rich flavors of butter and cream with the robust taste of garlic. Though the exact origin of this recipe is difficult to trace, it reflects the American trend of one-pan meals that emerged in the late 20th century, designed for convenience without sacrificing flavor. The dish likely evolved from French and Italian culinary traditions, which emphasize butter and cream-based sauces, adapted to suit home cooks seeking quick, satisfying meals.

Regional Characteristics

While this dish is popular across the United States, it exhibits regional variations depending on local tastes. In the South, chefs may add smoked paprika or a touch of cayenne pepper for warmth, whereas in the Midwest, its common to serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Coastal areas might include fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to lighten the richness of the sauce. Despite minor differences, the hallmark of this dish remains the creamy, garlicky coating enveloping tender chicken pieces.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are often compared to Chicken Alfredo or Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Unlike Alfredo, which uses a heavier cream-and-cheese base, this recipe balances the richness of butter and cream with a more pronounced garlic flavor, resulting in a lighter, quicker-cooking sauce. Compared to Garlic Parmesan Chicken, it doesnt rely on a baked crust or cheese topping; instead, the sauce is directly integrated with the chicken in the skillet, creating a more cohesive and velvety texture.

Typical Serving Settings

This dish is versatile and can appear in both casual and more formal dining settings. Its commonly served at home as a weeknight dinner due to its quick preparation time, often accompanied by pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. In bistros or American-style restaurants, it may be offered as a small plate or appetizer, with skewered bites for sharing. Its rich, comforting flavor profile also makes it a favorite at family gatherings or informal dinner parties.

Interesting Facts

• The dishs combination of garlic and butter aligns with ancient culinary traditions where garlic was prized for both flavor and medicinal properties.
• Cooking the chicken first and then whisking in the cream ensures the sauce stays smooth and prevents the butter from separatinga technique borrowed from classical French cooking.
• Variations of this recipe exist worldwide, with some regions substituting coconut milk for cream or adding chili flakes for heat.
• Despite its indulgent taste, the recipe can be modified to reduce fat content by using half-and-half or light cream, making it accessible for healthier meal plans.
• It has gained significant popularity online for its simplicity, often appearing in cooking videos demonstrating 10-minute dinners.

FAQ about Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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