Description

Juicy, crispy pan-fried chicken bites tossed in a buttery garlic parmesan sauce. This easy skillet dinner is packed with flavor, ready in under 25 minutes, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
5 large cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Extra grated parmesan (for garnish)
Chopped chives or green onions (optional garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional garnish)

Instructions

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch (or flour), salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil; heat until butter is melted and foaming.
Add chicken pieces in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Sear for 3-4 minutes without moving, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Cook in batches if needed.
Push cooked chicken to one side of the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the empty side; cook, stirring, for 45 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Stir together, then sprinkle in parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Toss chicken bites to coat in sauce.
Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot, garnished with chives or green onions and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use a cast iron skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan. Freshly grated parmesan melts best. Cornstarch keeps the bites gluten-free. Adjust herbs and spices to taste. Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the oven or skillet. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and nutritional yeast.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 6 ounces (170g) cooked chicken per serving
Calories: 320
Sodium: 540
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 9
Protein: 34

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, chicken bites, skillet chicken, pan-fried chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, kid-friendly, gluten-free option, protein-packed, comfort food