Introduction
Welcome to a culinary adventure that combines the magic of the air fryer with the irresistible flavors of cheesy garlic butter! If you’re a fan of quick, easy, and utterly delicious meals, then these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine tender bites of chicken, perfectly seasoned and enveloped in a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy garlic butter sauce, all cooked to perfection in just a fraction of the time of traditional methods.
Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving a satisfying snack, these chicken bites offer versatility and flavor that are hard to resist. Plus, with the air fryer doing most of the work, you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal and less time spent in the kitchen. So, let’s dive into this simple yet delectable recipe that brings together the best of comfort food and healthy cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic.
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- Add the diced chicken pieces to the bowl and stir well, ensuring all the chicken is coated with the garlic butter mixture.
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- Sprinkle in the onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the chicken is evenly seasoned.
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- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
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- Carefully add the chicken bites to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded.
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- Cook the chicken bites in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
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- After the chicken is cooked through and golden, remove the basket and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
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- Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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- Once done, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color.
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- Serve your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded (feel free to mix with mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish (optional)
This simple yet flavorful combination will deliver a satisfying crunch and cheesy goodness in every bite!
Baking Process
Creating Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in an air fryer is not only quick but also ensures you achieve a delightful crispiness without excessive oil. Follow these steps to get perfectly cooked chicken bites that are bursting with flavor:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Baking Process:
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Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the flavorful mixture.
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Cheese It Up: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure each piece of chicken gets a taste of that cheesy goodness.
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
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Arrange the Chicken Bites: Carefully place the seasoned chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
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Cooking Time: Air fry the chicken bites at 380°F (193°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or turn the chicken pieces to ensure they crisp up nicely on all sides.
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Check for Doneness: After 10-12 minutes, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. If they need additional time, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until done.
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Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
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Enjoy!: Serve your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad. They make for a perfect appetizer or a delicious main dish!
By following this method, you’ll have perfectly cooked, cheesy chicken bites that are both savory and satisfying. Happy air frying!
Serving Suggestions
To make the most of your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, consider these delightful serving suggestions that enhance the flavors and create a well-rounded meal:
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Fresh Herb Salad: Serve the chicken bites alongside a fresh salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and an herb vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad contrasts beautifully with the cheesy richness of the chicken.
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Dipping Sauces: Provide a variety of dipping sauces for a fun twist! Consider options like creamy ranch, zesty buffalo sauce, or a tangy honey mustard. These will add an extra layer of flavor and excitement.
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Vegetable Skewers: Pair your chicken bites with vegetable skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion are great choices. You can easily grill these while your chicken is in the air fryer for a quick side.
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Garlic Bread: Elevate your meal by serving it with warm, buttery garlic bread. The flavors will complement each other perfectly, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
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Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the chicken bites over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. You can even flavor the grains with garlic and herbs to tie in the dish.
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Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with a light garlic and olive oil sauce, then top with the chicken bites for a quick and delicious one-bowl meal.
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Stuffed Peppers: For a unique presentation, serve the chicken bites inside halved bell peppers. You can mix in some rice, cheese, and herbs for a colorful and tasty dish.
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Beer or Wine Pairing: Complement your meal with a chilled lager or a glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc. The crispness of the drink will enhance the savory notes of the dish.
Experiment with these suggestions to find your perfect combination, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Conclusion
In just a matter of minutes, you can whip up a batch of these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in your air fryer, creating a dish that’s not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. The combination of succulent chicken, rich garlic butter, and gooey cheese makes for a mouthwatering appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, making this recipe a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Whether you’re serving these bites for game day, a cozy dinner, or as a tasty snack, they are guaranteed to be the star of the show. Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy the explosion of taste with every bite, and feel free to get creative by adding your own twist to the recipe! Happy cooking!
