If you’re craving a quick and insanely delicious dinner that feels a little special, I’ve got you covered with this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe. It’s one of those meals that comes together in just 15 minutes but tastes way more gourmet than the time spent in the kitchen would suggest. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish — perfect for busy evenings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce adds rich, savory notes that really elevate simple chicken.
- Versatility: You can serve it solo, toss it over pasta, or pair with veggies — endless options.
- Family Favorite: My loved ones can’t get enough, and I bet yours will feel the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients are simple staples, but together they create a magical combo that’s juicy, fragrant, and satisfying. I always recommend using fresh garlic and quality butter for the best flavor — it makes all the difference!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting into bite-sized pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- All-purpose flour: This light coating crisps the chicken nicely and helps the sauce cling.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a balanced herb flavor that complements garlic beautifully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning—adjust to your taste but don’t skip!
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and prevents sticking during cooking.
- Unsalted butter: Divided into two parts to brown the chicken first, then form that luscious sauce.
- Minced fresh garlic: Fresh beats jarred here; it’s the star that infuses the chicken with that irresistible aroma.
- Finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the dish.
Variations
I love tweaking this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. Feel free to get creative—this recipe is a great canvas!
- Spicy Upgrade: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne in the seasoning for a gentle heat kick; my friends love this twist!
- Herby Swap: Try fresh thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for an earthy flavor that’s beautiful in colder months.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or olive oil in place of butter—while it changes the richness, it still cooks up deliciously.
- Make it a Meal: Toss the finished chicken bites with cooked pasta or quinoa to stretch the dish and add variety.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Like a Pro
The first step is drying your chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels—this helps them brown without steaming. Then, toss the chicken with flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until each bite is fully coated. If you see loose flour still on the board, keep tossing; I learned this little trick to avoid clumps and get a perfect crispy crust.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken for That Golden Flavor
Heat your skillet with olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. When the butter melts and the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces spaced out so they don’t steam. Resist the urge to stir immediately—let them cook undisturbed until you see a golden crust, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 minutes; your kitchen will start smelling amazing by now!
Step 3: Add Garlic, Butter & Parsley for the Finish
Scatter the remaining butter in small chunks around the pan, then add your minced garlic and chopped parsley. Cook everything together for just about a minute so the garlic softens but doesn’t burn. This last step is where the magic really happens, coating the chicken in a glossy, savory sauce. Just make sure the chicken reaches 165°F and isn’t pink inside before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Pat Chicken Dry: This small step ensures your chicken chars beautifully instead of steaming, which I always do for a crispy texture.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Leaving space between pieces helps them brown evenly. I usually cook in batches if needed to keep that perfect sear.
- Butter in Two Stages: Adding some butter early and the rest later gives layers of flavor and helps develop that luscious sauce.
- Watch Garlic Closely: Garlic cooks fast—add it at the end and stir quickly so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle an extra handful of fresh parsley or even some chopped chives on top for that vibrant freshness and color pop. A wedge of lemon is fantastic too — the brightness really lifts the richness of the butter and garlic.
Side Dishes
When I serve this, I often go with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for veggies. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic rice are great if you want more comfort food vibes. Sometimes I just spoon it over warm pasta and call it a day!
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to plate the chicken bites over a bed of creamy polenta or roasted veggies, garnished with microgreens. Serving it in little appetizer dishes with toothpicks makes it a fun party snack too — people always ask for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled slightly before sealing to avoid sogginess. Reheat gently to keep them moist and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the bites, flash freeze them on a baking sheet first. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
I reheat mine in a skillet with a tiny bit of butter or olive oil over medium heat to revive crispiness. The microwave works in a pinch but sometimes makes them a little rubbery — a quick pan sear is worth the few extra minutes.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and add extra flavor. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
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What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe to keep it low-carb?
You can serve it with roasted non-starchy veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or cauliflower rice for a delicious low-carb meal that balances the richness of the chicken.
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How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside. The pieces should feel firm but still juicy. Using a quick meat thermometer makes this foolproof.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and flour the chicken ahead and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours. Just cook it fresh when you’re ready to eat to keep that perfect crust and texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe turns out every single time — juicy chicken with that buttery garlic punch is just so comforting. When I first tried this, I was amazed that something this simple could taste this good. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that feels fancy but is totally doable on a weeknight. Give it a shot and watch it become one of your family favorites too!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 9 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (or 4 smaller servings)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful weeknight dish featuring tender chicken pieces seared to golden perfection in a luscious garlic and butter sauce with fresh parsley. This easy 15-minute recipe uses simple ingredients to deliver a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, about 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper
Cooking Fats and Flavorings
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Dab the chicken pieces dry on all sides using paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken. Toss thoroughly so all pieces are well coated and no flour is left loose on the cutting board.
- Add Fats to Skillet: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the hot skillet. Allow the butter to melt and tilt the pan to coat the surface evenly.
- Sear Chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer with some space between them to promote browning instead of steaming. Cook without moving for about 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the opposite side until nearly cooked through.
- Add Butter, Garlic, and Parsley: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in small pieces along with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Stir and cook for another 1 minute until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for a quick 15-minute meal requiring minimal prep and basic ingredients.
- The chicken bites develop a rich flavor from the garlic butter and fresh parsley, making it a delicious weeknight dinner staple.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are dry before coating with flour to achieve a nice golden crust.
- Use a non-stick skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan for optimal browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 394 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 422 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 151 mg
