These creamy garlic chicken bites are perfect for a quick and tasty meal! With tender chicken, rich garlic sauce, and a hint of herbs, they’re fantastic for any dinner.
I love serving them over rice or with crusty bread to soak up that yummy sauce. Trust me, you’ll be licking your plate clean! 🥳
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my favorite for this dish because they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use thighs for a richer flavor, or even turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder can work in a pinch. One teaspoon of garlic powder is roughly equivalent to 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic. Just add it while simmering.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind it won’t be as thick and creamy. Coconut cream is also a great dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose intolerant.
Herbs: Dried thyme and parsley are essential for flavor. If you have fresh thyme or parsley instead, use double the amount, as fresh herbs often have a brighter taste. Other herbs like rosemary or basil can also add a nice twist.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Browned?
Getting that golden-brown color is all about cooking at the right temperature and not overcrowding the pan. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough to sear.
- Add just enough chicken pieces to cover the bottom without overlapping. This allows each piece to sear instead of steam.
- Let the chicken sit for 3-4 minutes undisturbed. This way, it can develop that nice crust.
- Flip and repeat until fully cooked. Aim for internal temps of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
If you have to cook in batches, don’t forget to keep the cooked chicken warm in a low oven while you finish the rest!
Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 teaspoon fresh parsley), plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking everything to delicious perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken bites with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook without moving it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Flip the pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. When it’s melted, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they soften and smell amazing, about 2-3 minutes. Careful not to let the garlic burn!
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan to lift those tasty brown bits. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and parsley. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, or until it starts to slightly thicken.
4. Combine and Finish:
Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir them into the creamy sauce so they’re well-coated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the chicken absorb all those wonderful flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with extra fresh parsley before serving. These creamy garlic chicken bites are perfect over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before cooking to ensure it sears nicely in the pan.
How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a mixture of milk and a little bit of flour to thicken the sauce. You could also opt for cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken up to step 5, then refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop and stir in the sauce to freshen it up before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.