Oh my goodness, get ready to have your taste buds sing! I’ve got this recipe for Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Sauce that is just out-of-this-world good. Imagine these little nuggets of chicken, perfectly golden and super crispy with all these amazing garlic and herb flavors, just begging to be dipped into the creamiest, dreamiest sauce. Seriously, it’s my go-to for parties or even just a fun weeknight dinner. The first time I made them, my whole family devoured them in minutes – total win!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Bites
Seriously, these little bites are a total win for so many reasons:
- Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you can absolutely nail these. They come together quicker than you’d think!
- Flavor Explosion: That garlic herb butter crust? It’s pure magic, giving you that savory, herby punch in every single crispy bite.
- Crowd Pleaser: Trust me, these disappear faster than you can say “more, please!” Perfect for game night, parties, or just making dinner a little more exciting.
- Versatile Little Things: Serve them as an appetizer, pile them onto a salad for a heartier meal, or just enjoy them with that amazing creamy sauce.
Ingredients for Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Sauce
Okay, let’s get down to business with what you’ll need for these amazing bites. It might look like a few things, but trust me, it’s all worth it when you see how they turn out!
For the Crispy Chicken Bites:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into nice 1-inch pieces – thighs give you the best flavor and moisture!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – our base for that golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – gotta season everything!
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – just for a hint of color and depth.
- 2 large eggs, beaten – this is our glue!
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – for maximum crispiness, don’t skimp here!
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a nutty, salty kick right into the crust.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme – fresh herbs make all the difference!
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – mixed with the oil, this is our secret weapon for flavor and browning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – also helps everything get beautifully golden and crispy.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is a must!
- 1 cup heavy cream – for that luscious, creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth – adds depth and thins the sauce just right.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – yes, more cheese!
- Salt and pepper to taste – gotta get that seasoning perfect.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Bites
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these absolutely divine chicken bites! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and honestly, the setup is half the fun. Think of it like an assembly line for deliciousness! My biggest tip right off the bat? Get all your ingredients prepped and ready *before* you start coating the chicken. It makes everything flow so much smoother, and you won’t have chicken fingers fumbling with flour while your eggs are getting away from you. Trust me on this one!
Preparing the Chicken Bites
First things first, let’s get that oven roaring! You want to preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is a little trick I learned early on – parchment paper means way less sticking and super easy cleanup. Now, let’s talk chicken. Make sure your thighs are cut into nice, bite-sized pieces, about an inch big. Then, you’ll set up your dredging stations. You need three shallow dishes. In the first one, mix your flour with the salt, pepper, and paprika. This is where all that flavor and crispiness starts! Into the second dish, crack and whisk those eggs until they’re nice and frothy. Finally, in the third dish, combine your panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese and those lovely fresh herbs – parsley and thyme. Smell that already? So good!
Coating and Baking the Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Bites
Now for the fun part: coating each and every chicken piece! We’re going to do this in three steps. Take a chicken piece and dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s nicely coated all over. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the whisked eggs, letting any extra drip off. This is what makes the breadcrumbs stick like a dream! Last, but most importantly, roll it around in that panko-Parmesan-herb mixture. Gently press the crumbs onto the chicken so they really adhere. You want a good, even coating on every single bite. Once they’re all coated, carefully place them on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan, give them a little space to get crispy. Now, for the flavor boost! In a little bowl, whisk together that melted butter and olive oil. Drizzle this liquid gold evenly over all the chicken bites on the baking sheet. It sounds fancy, but it really just helps them get that gorgeous golden-brown crust. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through. If you’re not sure, you can always cut into one to check the center – it should be white, not pink. These are going to smell AMAZING while they bake! If you want to explore more flavorful garlic and herb creations, check out my garlic herb grilled shrimp recipe – it’s another winner!
Crafting the Creamy Sauce
While those crispy chicken bites are doing their thing in the oven, let’s whip up the sauce that’s going to make this dish truly sing! It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought. First, grab a skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until it smells absolutely divine – careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it come to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens up just a little. Finally, stir in that 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until it’s all melty and smooth. Give it a little taste and add salt and pepper until it’s perfect. It’s just that easy! And hey, if you’re looking for other fantastic sauce recipes, you’ve got to check out my chimichurri sauce – it’s amazing on everything!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Bites
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let’s talk about making these chicken bites absolutely *perfect* every single time. It’s little things, you know? Like for extra crispiness, don’t be shy about that panko coating! If you want them extra crunchy, you could even give them a quick pan-fry before baking, just a minute or two on each side in a hot pan with a little oil. Also, don’t be afraid to play with the herbs! Rosemary is lovely in here too, or maybe some chives stirred into the sauce. Just avoid anything too watery. And seriously, resist the urge to overcrowd the baking sheet; those little bites need their space to get beautifully golden and crisp. More tips? You can always check out my garlic butter lobster bites for more buttery, herby goodness!
Serving Suggestions
These Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Bites are so versatile! They’re obviously fantastic as an appetizer, especially with that creamy sauce – check out my other appetizer ideas too! But honestly, they make a great light lunch piled on top of a big Caesar salad, or even served alongside some roasted veggies for an easy weeknight dinner. They’re just perfect for any occasion!
Storage and Reheating
Leftover chicken bites are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have extra sauce, keep it separate in a sealed container. To reheat, I usually pop the chicken bites on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for a few minutes until they’re crisp again, and gently warm the sauce on the stovetop. This keeps them tasting almost as good as the first time around!
Frequently Asked Questions about Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Bites
Got questions about these yummy chicken bites? I’ve got some answers for you!
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yep, you totally can! Chicken breast will work, but it tends to be a little drier than thighs, especially after baking. If you use breast, just be super careful not to overcook them. Keep an eye on them and maybe even pull them out a minute or two sooner. Thighs are still my personal fave for juiciness, though!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep a lot ahead, which is always my secret weapon! You can cut the chicken and set up your dredging stations a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. The creamy sauce can also be made a day ahead and gently reheated. I wouldn’t coat the chicken until right before baking, though, as the coating can get a bit soggy if it sits too long. But hey, the sauce is a lifesaver for busy nights!
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
Panko gives that fantastic crunch, but if you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will work. They won’t be *quite* as crispy, but still delicious! You could also try crushed cornflakes (check they’re plain) or even finely crushed crackers for a different kind of crunch. Just aim for something that will toast up nicely.
Can I make the creamy sauce spicier?
Oh, absolutely! If you like a little kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper tossed into the sauce along with the garlic is wonderful. Or, you could add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. It’s your kitchen, so make it sing your song!
Where can I find more recipes like this?
I’m so glad you asked! If you love these chicken bites, you might really enjoy my bacon-wrapped chicken recipe. It’s another easy winner that folks go crazy for!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, this is an *estimate*, because everyone’s ingredients and portion sizes might be a little different! But for a serving of these delicious Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Sauce, you’re looking at roughly 550 calories, 35g of fat, 30g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. Enjoy every bite!
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Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Sauce
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender chicken bites coated in a crispy garlic herb butter crust, served with a rich and creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and thyme.
- Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and olive oil. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the chicken bites.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the crispy chicken bites immediately with the creamy sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, you can pan-fry the bites before baking.
- Feel free to add other herbs like rosemary or chives to the breadcrumb mixture.
- The creamy sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken bites, crispy chicken, garlic herb butter, creamy sauce, appetizer, easy recipe, baked chicken