Here is the complete recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Lemon Asparagus:
**Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:**
Ingredients:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
**Lemon Asparagus:**
Ingredients:
* 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
**Cooking Steps:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken cubes in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Dip the floured chicken cubes in the beaten egg, making sure they are fully coated.
5. Place the coated chicken cubes on a plate or tray.
6. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
7. Add the chicken cubes to the garlic butter mixture, and toss to coat.
8. Place the coated chicken cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each bite.
9. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese (if using) over the chicken bites.
10. Bake the chicken bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
11. While the chicken is baking, prepare the lemon asparagus.
12. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the asparagus spears with the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
13. Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
14. Remove the chicken bites and asparagus from the oven. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (if using).
15. Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus hot and enjoy!
**Tips for Correct Cooking Techniques:**
* To ensure even cooking, try to keep the chicken cubes of a similar size.
* Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the chicken bites to stick together and not cook evenly.
* To get the garlic butter to stick to the chicken, make sure the chicken is fully coated in the garlic butter mixture before baking.
* To get the asparagus tender, make sure to toss it with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper before roasting.
**Variations and Ingredient Swaps:**
* **Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for an extra kick.
* **Italian-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:** Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the garlic butter mixture.
* **Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pesto:** Replace the Parmesan cheese with a dollop of pesto on top of the chicken bites before baking.
* **Roasted Lemon Asparagus with Parmesan:** Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the asparagus spears before roasting for an extra burst of flavor.
* **Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Mayo:** Serve the garlic butter chicken bites with a side of spicy mayonnaise, made by mixing 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like any further variations or substitutions.
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