Description

Hey friends, Beau here! Let’s be honest: we’ve all hit that 6 PM wall — standing in front of the fridge, tired, hungry, and absolutely not in the mood for a complicated dinner. That’s exactly why these Easy Garlic Herbed Chicken Bites exist. They’re fast, flavorful, wildly versatile, and ready in under 20 minutes. Tender chicken, golden edges, garlic, herbs, and a buttery finish… It’s everything you want on a busy night.

Ingredients

Chicken & Seasoning

1½ lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1–1.5 inch pieces
1½ tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter (optional but magical)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Optional Finishing Touches

Fresh lemon juice
Chopped parsley

Why These Ingredients Work

Chicken thighs = extra juicy and forgiving
Olive oil + butter = perfect sear + rich flavor
Fresh garlic = the heart of the dish (skip the jar!)
Smoked paprika = subtle depth and gorgeous color
Lemon + parsley = brightness and balance

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken completely dry — this is essential for browning.
Toss with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Chef’s Tip: Season right before cooking so the salt doesn’t draw moisture out.

2. Heat the Pan Properly

Add olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.
The oil should shimmer before you add the chicken.
A hot pan = a real sear.

3. Sear the Chicken

Place the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Cook without touching for 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden.

4. Add Garlic & Butter

Lower the heat to low.
Push chicken aside and add the butter + minced garlic to the empty space.
Sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant, then toss everything together so the sauce coats the chicken.

5. Finish Like a Pro

Remove from heat.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with parsley.

Notes

Dry chicken = golden chicken. Moisture is the enemy of browning.
Don’t crowd the pan. Browning needs space.
Garlic burns fast. Always lower the heat before adding it.
Chicken thighs are practically impossible to overcook.

Nutrition

Calories: 280 Cal Per Serving
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 33g