High-Protein Butter Chicken Bites

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Tender pieces of chicken thigh are seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and coated in a tomato-based sauce, delivering the classic taste of butter chicken in every bite. The bite-size portions make the perfect appetizer served with extra sauce on the side for dipping, or enjoy them on top of rice or tucked inside a wrap paired with fresh veggies.

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
8
an image of the ingredients to make the Butter Chicken Bites

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

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Ingredients

  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or avocado

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided

  • 2 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • teaspoons garam masala

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

  • cup no-salt-added tomato sauce

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to broil with rack in upper third position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.

  2. Toss chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons oil, ½ teaspoon onion powder and ½ teaspoon salt on the prepared baking sheet until well coated. Arrange in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Broil until browned, about 7 minutes. Remove from oven; discard any excess liquid.

    an image of the chicken bites on the baking sheet for broiling

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

  3. Combine 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth, about 1 minute. Stir in 1¼ teaspoons garam masala, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne (if using) and the remaining ½ teaspoon each onion powder and salt; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and well combined, about 1 minute. Stir in ⅓ cup tomato sauce until combined.

  4. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in cubed butter,1 tablespoon at a time, until completely melted, about 2 minutes. Remove the butter sauce from the heat.

    an image of the butter being stirred into the tomato paste and seasoning mixture

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

  5. Brush ¼ cup butter sauce all over the browned chicken bites. Broil until sizzling, deeply browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers at least 165°F, 3 to 6 minutes. Brush again with ¼ cup butter sauce.

    an image of the chicken pieces being brushed with the butter sauce

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

  6. Transfer the chicken bites to a platter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cilantro. Serve with any remaining butter sauce on the side.

    an image of the Butter Chicken Bites

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

EatingWell.com, March 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

219 Calories
15g Fat
2g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 3 to 4 bites
Calories 219
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 1g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 19g 39%
Total Fat 15g 20%
Saturated Fat 6g 29%
Cholesterol 110mg 37%
Vitamin A 62µg
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 9%
Folate 5µg
Vitamin K 4µg
Sodium 408mg 18%
Calcium 17mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 24mg 6%
Potassium 294mg 6%
Zinc 2mg 14%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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