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Air Fryer Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Over Creamy Mash

air fryer garlic butter chicken bites - featured image

Juicy, crispy air fryer chicken bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes. This easy, comforting dinner is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 34 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream (plus more as needed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into 1-inch chunks and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Place chicken in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Arrange chicken bites in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Cook in batches if needed.
  4. While chicken cooks, peel and cube potatoes. Place in a saucepan, cover with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
  5. Return potatoes to pot. Add milk or cream and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a small skillet or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. Stir in parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat.
  7. Transfer cooked chicken bites to a bowl. Pour garlic butter sauce over and toss to coat.
  8. Spoon creamy mash onto plates, top with chicken bites, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if needed. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and plant milk. Mash can be made extra creamy with sour cream or cream cheese. Double the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor. Store chicken and mash separately for best leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, garlic butter chicken, chicken bites, mashed potatoes, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free option