Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Chicken Bites
These oven-baked chicken bites are small, garlicky pieces of boneless chicken breast tossed in melted butter and simple seasonings, then roasted until golden and juicy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast (trimmed)
- 4 tablespoons butter Can be swapped for olive oil or ghee.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika Can be smoked paprika or omitted.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
- While the butter is warming, pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces (roughly 1–1½ inch cubes) for uniform cooking.
Baking
- Transfer the chicken pieces to a bowl and pour the garlic butter over them. Toss thoroughly so each piece is coated.
- Spread the bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet with space between pieces.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until pieces are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Serving
- Let rest for 2–3 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
For extra crispness, broil the bites for 1–2 minutes at the end. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking. Can store in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.