If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to make, and utterly satisfying, the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These tender, golden pieces of chicken simmered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce offer a perfect harmony of savory and aromatic notes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you need a speedy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish ticks all the boxes with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—adding texture, flavor, or a lovely hint of freshness to bring the whole dish together beautifully.
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites every time.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps create a light, golden crust on the chicken that locks in juiciness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the garlic and butter perfectly.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors—season generously!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and prevents sticking while cooking.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: The star of the dish, responsible for the rich, silky sauce coating the chicken bites.
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves): Provides that irresistible pungent aroma and depth that makes the recipe sing.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous brightness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into roughly 1 ¼-inch pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Pat these pieces dry with paper towels—this little trick helps the flour stick and the chicken brown beautifully. Toss the chicken in flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until they are well coated. This seasoning foundation will give the bites a deliciously crisp coating.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, then add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter has melted, carefully arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown crust that seals in the juiciness. Cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures it’s perfectly safe and tender.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and fresh parsley and stir constantly for around one minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This step lets the garlic infuse the butter, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of chicken for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is in its ready-to-eat perfection right off the stove. Serve hot with the garlicky butter sauce spooned generously over the top for the best taste experience.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also add a few twists—try grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish. These garnishes elevate both flavor and presentation effortlessly.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken bites with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that lovely garlic butter goodness. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables add a refreshing contrast and balance out the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken bites on warm toasted baguette slices as an appetizer or alongside crusty garlic bread for a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple. You can also thread the chicken onto skewers for a party-friendly presentation everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors settle nicely overnight, making for an even more satisfying second meal.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead for a busy week, freeze the cooked chicken bites in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To prevent sticking, arrange pieces in a single layer before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve tenderness and re-melt the garlic butter sauce. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can dry out the chicken and dull the textures.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and actually stay extra juicy with this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly if pieces are larger.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Keep in mind the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, cutting into a piece to make sure the juices run clear is a good visual indicator.
Can I prepare the chicken bites in advance and cook later?
Yes! You can season and flour the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking. This makes last-minute meal prep a breeze.
What can I substitute for fresh parsley if I don’t have any?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though fresh herbs provide brighter flavor and color. Alternatively, chopped fresh cilantro or basil can offer a different but tasty twist.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is a total winner—it delivers on flavor, ease, and comfort all wrapped into one. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the garlicky richness and tender little bites that come together faster than you’d expect. So go ahead and make this your next go-to; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe features tender, juicy chicken pieces sautéed to golden perfection and coated in a rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce enhanced with Italian seasoning and fresh parsley. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ¼-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and ensures a nice sear. In a bowl, sprinkle the all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken pieces. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for searing the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet, allowing the butter to melt completely. Then add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve Immediately: Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken bites and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut uniformly to cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking; work in batches if needed to maintain a good sear.
- Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
