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Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Zucchini

crispy garlic butter chicken bites - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy, buttery, and garlicky chicken bites paired with tender zucchini slices, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can swap for almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for zucchini)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until well coated. Set aside for 5 minutes.
  2. Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Toss in zucchini slices and cook 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until tender with golden edges. Season with black pepper.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the pan with zucchini and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice and parsley, stirring to combine.
  6. Return chicken bites to the skillet and toss gently to coat with garlic butter sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat zucchini dry to avoid sogginess. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Keep butter fresh and cold before adding to pan to prevent burning. If chicken browns too fast, lower heat and cover loosely to finish cooking. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Reheat leftovers in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bites, garlic butter chicken, zucchini, quick dinner, crispy chicken, weeknight meal, easy recipe