Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick, easy, and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients and 15 minutes, you can make tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
Why We Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
There are many reasons why this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe has become a go-to for busy cooks. First, it’s incredibly quick to make. With only nine minutes of prep and six minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Second, it uses basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen—chicken, butter, garlic, and simple seasonings—yet the flavor is far from basic. The combination of butter and garlic creates a rich, savory coating that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Finally, this recipe is versatile. You can pair it with pasta, rice, couscous, or vegetables, or enjoy it on its own as a protein-packed snack. It’s the kind of dish that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
To make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, you’ll need ingredients that are simple, fresh, and easy to find. Each ingredient contributes to the flavor, texture, and overall success of the dish.
- 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, to taste
- 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
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is straightforward and stress-free. You’ll want to focus on proper preparation and attention to cooking times to get the perfect result. Start by preheating a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet warms up, dab the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step is essential because removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown evenly.
Next, season the chicken. Sprinkle the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the chicken, tossing to coat all sides evenly. Make sure each piece has a light, even coating of flour—it helps create a nice crust when cooked.
Once the chicken is coated, add the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter to the preheated skillet. Allow the butter to melt and coat the pan. Place the chicken in a single layer, leaving a small gap between each piece. This spacing is crucial because it allows the chicken to sear instead of steam, which gives it that perfect golden-brown color. Cook the chicken for about three minutes on the first side without moving it, then flip each piece and cook for an additional two minutes. The chicken should be nearly cooked through at this point.
Now it’s time to add flavor. Drop in the remaining two tablespoons of butter in small pieces, then add the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Cook everything together for about one more minute, stirring gently so the garlic doesn’t burn. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be fully opaque in the center.
Your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are now ready to serve. The chicken is golden, juicy, and coated in a fragrant, buttery garlic sauce that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Serving Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is as flexible as the recipe itself. You can keep it simple and enjoy the chicken on its own or pair it with a variety of sides. For a quick and light option, serve it with steamed or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, or squash. The bright flavors of fresh vegetables complement the richness of the butter and garlic beautifully.
If you want a heartier meal, consider pairing the chicken with couscous, rice, or pasta. For example, lemon couscous is a quick and flavorful side: bring chicken broth, lemon juice, and water to a boil, stir in couscous, then remove from heat and let it sit for five minutes. Fluff it with a fork and serve alongside the chicken. This pairing adds a light citrusy note that balances the richness of the dish.
You can also serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites over a simple salad for a low-carb, satisfying option. The tender chicken, vibrant herbs, and buttery sauce turn any salad into a complete meal.
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
To get the best results, follow a few simple tips. First, make sure your chicken pieces are roughly the same size. This ensures they cook evenly and prevents smaller pieces from drying out while larger pieces finish cooking.
Second, don’t overcrowd the pan. Crowding causes the chicken to steam rather than sear, which prevents that golden crust from forming. Cook in batches if needed.
Third, use fresh garlic and parsley. Pre-minced garlic in jars can work in a pinch, but fresh garlic provides a brighter, more robust flavor. Similarly, fresh parsley adds color and freshness that dried herbs can’t match.
Finally, consider finishing the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The acidity brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the butter, making the dish taste even more balanced and delicious.
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
If you have leftovers, storing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is easy. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to warm the chicken gently, preserving its crispy exterior and tender interior. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Proper storage and gentle reheating ensure you can enjoy this dish even the next day without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture before coating the chicken.
You can also switch up the herbs. Try adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for different aromatic notes. For an extra layer of flavor, finish the dish with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
If you prefer a lighter version, swap half of the butter for olive oil. This change reduces the richness while still delivering great flavor. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a flexible recipe that you can customize to fit your preferences or make use of ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
What is the best chicken to use for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they cook quickly and remain tender. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and coat it with the flour and seasonings ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Cook it fresh when ready for the best texture.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
You can serve it with rice, pasta, couscous, or fresh vegetables. Lemon couscous or steamed broccoli makes an especially great pairing.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Make sure not to overcook the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan. Using butter and cooking at medium-high heat ensures the chicken stays tender and flavorful.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Equipment
- 12-inch non-stick skillet
- Mixing Bowls:
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season with flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and parsley to the skillet. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring gently.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
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