These garlic butter chicken bites are tiny pieces of joy! With a mix of juicy chicken, fresh asparagus, and a rich garlic butter sauce, they are full of flavor and super easy to make!
Honestly, what’s not to love? You get crispy edges, tasty garlic, and vibrant green asparagus all in one dish. I like to serve it with rice for a complete meal—you’ll want seconds for sure! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe shines with boneless, skinless chicken. If you’re looking for an alternative, turkey breast or firm tofu could work well, each providing a different taste and texture.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds nice flavor, but feel free to use avocado oil or canola oil if you need a substitute. Both work great for cooking at high temperatures.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you want a vegan option, go for plant-based butter or coconut oil for a different flavor twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you only have garlic powder, you can use it, but use only about 1/8 tsp for each clove to avoid overpowering the dish.
Asparagus: If asparagus isn’t in season, green beans or broccoli would be wonderful substitutes that also absorb flavors beautifully!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Golden Brown?
Getting that perfect golden-brown crust on your chicken is key! Here are some tips to help you:
- Ensure the skillet is preheated before adding the chicken. This helps sear the meat well.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! If it’s too packed, the chicken will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed.
- Let the chicken sit undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping to encourage browning.
With these techniques, you’ll achieve beautifully browned chicken every time, adding amazing flavor to your dish! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Asparagus:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps to ensure everything cooks evenly.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, pour in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Sear them until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This gives your chicken a nice flavor!
3. Add Garlic and Butter:
After browning the chicken, add the minced garlic and the 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir everything together until the butter is melted and you can smell the delicious garlic aroma.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Next, transfer the chicken mixture to a baking sheet. Spread it out so there’s room for the asparagus. On the same baking sheet, arrange the trimmed asparagus and place the lemon slices on top. Drizzle a little olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Bake It All Together:
Now, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus right away, and enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw chicken is to leave it in the fridge overnight, or you can submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for a quicker method. This ensures even cooking and a nice sear!
What Can I Substitute for Asparagus?
If you don’t have asparagus on hand, you can easily substitute it with green beans, broccoli, or zucchini. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may require slightly different cooking times, so check for tenderness before removing the dish from the oven!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, reheat them in the oven or on the stove rather than the microwave, which can make the chicken rubbery. Just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken with the seasonings and garlic butter ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the asparagus and lemon slices right before baking to keep them fresh!
