High-Protein Butter Chicken Bites Are Your New Go-To Appetizer

If you're craving the rich, aromatic flavors of classic butter chicken but want something a little more versatile and high-protein, these butter chicken bites are your answer. Tender chunks of chicken thigh are seasoned to perfection and coated in a buttery, tomato-based sauce, making them ideal for dipping, piling onto rice bowls, or tucking into wraps with fresh veggies.

Packed with protein and customizable to your heat preference (hello, optional cayenne!), this easy recipe brings restaurant-worthy flavor into your kitchen without the heavy fuss.

Ingredients You'll Need

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

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or avocado oil)

• 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided

• 1 teaspoon salt, divided

• 2 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1¼ teaspoons garam masala

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

• ⅓ cup no-salt-added tomato sauce

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make High-Protein Butter Chicken Bites

1. Prep and Broil the Chicken
   Preheat your oven to broil and position the rack in the upper third. Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
   Toss the chicken pieces with oil, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon salt directly on the prepared sheet. Spread them out in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
   Broil until browned, about 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully discard any excess liquid.

2. Make the Butter Sauce
   In a small saucepan, combine the tomato paste and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth (about 1 minute).
   Stir in the garam masala, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), and remaining onion powder and salt. Cook, stirring, for another minute until fragrant.
   Add the tomato sauce and mix until well combined.
   Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in the cubed butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is silky and smooth. Remove from heat.

3. Coat and Finish the Chicken
   Brush about ¼ cup of the butter sauce over the chicken bites. Broil again until sizzling and deeply browned, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (about 3–6 minutes).
   Brush with another ¼ cup of sauce, then transfer the chicken to a serving platter.

4. Serve and Enjoy
   Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with any remaining sauce for dipping.

How to Enjoy Them

• Appetizer Style: Serve with toothpicks and a side of extra sauce.

• On Rice or Grains: Spoon over basmati rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a hearty meal.

• In Wraps: Tuck into warm naan or a tortilla with crunchy lettuce and cucumbers for a flavorful lunch.

Quick Tips for Best Results

• Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t crowded on the baking sheet—this ensures they get browned instead of steaming.

• If you like it spicier, don't skip the cayenne, or add an extra pinch to the sauce.

• For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative.

Why You'll Love These Butter Chicken Bites

Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of protein, rich flavor, and creamy texture without feeling heavy. Plus, chicken thighs bring a juicy tenderness that's hard to beat. It’s a simple, high-protein dish that's equally impressive for meal prep or entertaining.

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