If you’re craving a dish that bursts with delightful flavors and is super quick to whip up, let me introduce you to the Garlic Basil Chicken Bites Recipe. This dish pairs tender, juicy chicken pieces with the fresh brightness of basil and the rich aroma of garlic, making every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual get-together, these chicken bites bring that perfect balance of simplicity and flavor that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays an important role in creating the rich flavor and pleasing texture of the Garlic Basil Chicken Bites Recipe. From the fragrant basil to the paprika’s subtle smoky kick, everything works in harmony for an irresistible dish.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps the chicken pieces get a light, crispy coating when cooked.
- Basil (2 ½ teaspoons): Adds a fresh herbaceous twist that’s key to the dish’s signature flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers deep, savory notes that complement the basil perfectly.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Gives a subtle smoky warmth and lovely color to the chicken.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle bite and complexity to the coating.
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces (1 ½ pounds): Tender pieces that cook quickly and absorb the seasoning beautifully.
- Avocado oil (2 tablespoons): A healthy cooking oil that withstands high heat and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and perfectly melds into the pan sauce.
- Chicken broth (½ cup, optional): Useful for creating a quick, flavorful pan sauce to drizzle on top.
- Chopped parsley (for serving): A fresh pop of green and subtle herbal freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Garlic Basil Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the seasoning mix and coat the chicken
Start by whisking together the flour, basil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This blend forms the foundation of your flavor and a slight crispiness when the chicken cooks. Then, toss the chicken pieces gently until every bite is nicely coated. Taking the time here ensures the seasoning clings well and every piece cooks evenly with that savory crust we love.
Step 2: Brown the chicken
Heat the avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in without crowding and leave it undisturbed for about five minutes. This lets the bottom develop a golden-brown crust. Flip each piece and cook for another three to four minutes until that side is also beautifully browned and the chicken is cooked through. The sizzling sound and the inviting aroma at this stage really build the excitement.
Step 3: Add butter for that luscious finish
Once the chicken is cooked perfectly, add the unsalted butter to the pan and stir it in with the chicken. The butter melts into the hot skillet, coating the chicken with a silky sheen and extra richness. This step takes the dish from simple to downright luscious.
Step 4: Optional quick pan sauce
If you want to elevate the Garlic Basil Chicken Bites Recipe further, pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Scrape the browned bits from the pan as it boils, infusing the sauce with intense flavor. Let it cook for three to four minutes until slightly reduced, then pour this sauce over your chicken bites. It’s a small extra step that delivers big rewards in flavor depth.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve the Garlic Basil Chicken Bites warm and enjoy the perfect combination of tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and rich buttery goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Basil Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley gives the perfect finishing touch, brightening the overall look and adding a subtle herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. If you want to experiment, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top can add a delightful tangy brightness that complements the garlic and basil beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the chicken shine. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, vibrant steamed vegetables, or even a light salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or grilled zucchini work perfectly, soaking up any remaining sauce for added flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer-style presentation, serve these chicken bites on skewers or toothpicks with small bowls of dipping sauce on the side, like garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo. You could also toss them into a warm pita wrap with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tzatziki for a portable, flavor-packed lunch. Presentation is a simple way to add excitement and versatility to your Garlic Basil Chicken Bites Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the chicken bites cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored this way, they stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate if you’ve made it, to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken bites for longer storage. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for about two months, making meal prep a breeze when you’re short on time.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, warm the chicken bites gently in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to keep them crispy on the outside. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to keep the bites moist and toss occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to use avocado oil?
Not necessarily. Avocado oil is great because it handles high heat well and has a neutral flavor, but you can substitute with other oils like canola or vegetable oil if needed.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. The coating and texture may vary slightly but the flavor will remain fantastic.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or serve with a spicy dip like sriracha mayo to give the dish a nice kick without overwhelming the basil and garlic.
Is the chicken broth necessary in the sauce?
Chicken broth is optional but highly recommended for that flavorful pan sauce that ties the dish together beautifully. If you don’t have broth, a splash of water and a little extra seasoning can work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Garlic Basil Chicken Bites Recipe. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and a real crowd-pleaser that you can quickly prepare any day of the week. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every single delicious bite as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Basil Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy and flavorful Chicken Bites are a delicious and quick skillet-cooked dish. Coated with a fragrant blend of basil, garlic powder, and paprika, then pan-seared to golden perfection, they make a perfect weeknight dinner served with an optional buttery chicken broth sauce and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Spice Mix and Coating
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Chicken and Cooking
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for sauce)
To Serve
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, dried basil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken pieces and gently toss them to evenly coat all sides with the spice and flour mix.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the skillet without crowding. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a golden brown crust on the bottom.
- Flip and finish cooking: Turn the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the other side to brown and ensuring the chicken is cooked through. The pieces should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add butter and remove chicken: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir it into the chicken pieces to coat them with buttery flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate.
- Make optional sauce: If desired, pour the chicken broth into the hot skillet and bring to a boil. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits, stirring constantly. Let it reduce for about 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened, then pour the sauce over the plated chicken bites.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken bites and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Chicken broth sauce is optional but adds extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Use avocado oil for its high smoke point and mild flavor; other oils suitable for high-heat cooking can be substituted.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly to promote even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
