1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using chicken breasts, trim off any excess fat and cut them into 1 to 1 ½-inch chunks. If you’re using chicken thighs, remove the skin and bones, and cut the meat into similar-sized pieces.

Once the chicken is cut, season it with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). The paprika adds a touch of smoky flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a more subtle taste. Toss the chicken pieces to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. You may need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side until it develops a golden brown crust. Then, flip the chicken pieces over and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate the flavors into the sauce.

Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.

If you’re using, add the lemon juice, dried thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the richness of the butter and garlic, while the thyme and rosemary contribute a savory, herbal note to the sauce.

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. You’ll want to reduce the sauce slightly so that it thickens and coats the chicken well.

4. Combine Chicken and Garlic Butter Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce, making sure all of the pieces are coated in the rich, garlicky goodness. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

If you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for added richness and a cheesy flavor. This is optional but adds a wonderful depth to the dish.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If you like a spicier kick, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.

5. Serve the Chicken Bites

Once the chicken is fully coated in the garlic butter sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the chicken bites to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are best served immediately while the chicken is hot and juicy, and the sauce is rich and flavorful.