Step-by-Step Preparation

First Step: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are about 1-2 inches in size so they cook quickly and evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Season the chicken pieces generously with this spice mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
3. Heat the Pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken bites to the pan in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your pan.
4. Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Second Step: MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt. The remnants of the chicken will add extra flavor to the sauce.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn. Be careful not to let it brown.
3. Add the Herbs and Lemon Juice: Add the dried thyme to the skillet, followed by the lemon juice. Stir to combine and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Finish the Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Third Step: COMBINE THE CHICKEN AND GARLIC BUTTER

1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Once the garlic butter sauce is ready, add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce, making sure every bite is covered with the rich, buttery mixture.
2. Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the garlic butter sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle the chicken bites with fresh parsley and, if desired, a little grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Final Step: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Serve: Transfer the garlic butter chicken bites to a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
2. Enjoy: Serve immediately, either as a standalone dish or with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve the chicken bites with a crisp green salad or in wraps and sandwiches.