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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

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4.1 from 44 reviews

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, sautéed to a golden crust, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a tangy lemon finish and sprinkled with savory parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Chicken & Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking & Finishing

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • Chopped flat leaf parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into approximately 1 inch pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Toss with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until well coated.
  2. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to evenly coat the bottom of the skillet to prepare for searing the chicken.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer and allow them to cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a golden brown crust forms on the bottom.
  4. Flip the Chicken: Turn the chicken bites over and continue cooking until they are browned but still slightly undercooked in the center, ensuring they remain juicy.
  5. Add Garlic Butter and Finish Cooking: Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Toss the chicken pieces in the garlic butter sauce, letting them cook through while being coated in the flavorful butter and garlic.
  6. Finish with Lemon and Parmesan: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the skillet and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the chicken. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped flat leaf parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use a cast iron skillet for best browning and even heat distribution.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
  • Grated or minced fresh garlic is preferred for the garlic butter sauce to maximize flavor.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
  • If parmesan is unavailable, pecorino romano cheese can be used as a substitute.
  • Chicken pieces should be similar in size to ensure even cooking.