Introduction
Looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a flavor punch? Look no further than these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Chicken Bites! Perfectly seasoned, tender chicken pieces are enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. This recipe not only cuts down on the cooking time but also makes clean-up a breeze. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, these chicken bites are bound to be a hit! Pair them with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or even some fluffy rice to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized chunks
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
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- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper to make a delicious marinade.
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- Introduce the diced chicken pieces to the bowl and thoroughly coat them in the garlic butter blend. Allow them to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
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- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for roughly 5 minutes.
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- Spread the marinated chicken bites in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space for proper cooking.
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- Fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through for an even crispness.
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- When they are golden brown and fully cooked, carefully take the chicken bites out of the air fryer and arrange them on a serving platter.
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- Top with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic powder)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons, freshly chopped (optional for garnish)
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (or you can use a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences!
Baking Process
- Preparation of Ingredients:
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Start by gathering all the ingredients. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, unsalted butter, minced garlic, dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper. You can also prepare fresh parsley for garnishing.
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Marinating the Chicken:
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In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with melted butter, minced garlic, and your chosen herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper. Make sure every piece of chicken is evenly coated. For the best flavor, let this mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time allows (up to overnight in the fridge).
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Preheating the Air Fryer:
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden exterior on your chicken bites.
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Arranging the Chicken:
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Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the marinated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
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Cooking:
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Cook the chicken bites at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-6 minute mark), shake the basket or flip the chicken bites to promote even cooking.
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Checking for Doneness:
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After 10-12 minutes, check the chicken bites for doneness. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
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Serving:
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Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added pop of color and flavor. You can also drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the air fryer over the chicken for an extra touch.
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Enjoy:
- Serve the Air Fryer Garlic Butter Chicken Bites immediately. They make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or protein-packed addition to salads, wraps, or grain bowls. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, if desired, and enjoy the deliciously crispy texture and rich, savory flavors!
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and dips to create a delicious meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
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Fresh Salad: Serve the chicken bites over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Pair the chicken bites with buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal. Drizzle some extra garlic butter on top for added flavor.
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Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make for excellent sides. The bright colors and crunch will complement the tenderness of the chicken.
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Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken bites over a fluffy bed of rice or quinoa. You can enhance the grain with herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
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Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces for dipping. Consider options like ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo to add a fun twist.
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Pasta: Toss the chicken bites with pasta, olive oil, and sautéed vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese would add a nice finish.
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Tacos: Create tasty tacos with the chicken bites, adding toppings like diced onions, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime in soft or hard taco shells.
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Stir-Fry: Incorporate the chicken bites into a stir-fry with bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots for a quick Asian-inspired dish.
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Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with garlic butter chicken bites and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an easy and flavorful appetizer.
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Wine Pairing: Enjoy these bites with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the buttery garlic flavors.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Enjoy your meal!
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal without the guilt of traditional frying. The combination of tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated. Plus, the air fryer delivers that coveted crispy texture while allowing you to cut back on oil. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these bites are sure to impress family and friends alike.
With minimal prep and cooking time, you can whip up this tasty recipe for any occasion. Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, look no further than these irresistible garlic butter chicken bites. Happy cooking!
