If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in just 15 minutes, you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish delivers tender, golden chicken pieces soaked in rich garlic butter, with just a hint of fresh parsley — it’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to wow your taste buds. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my best tips to make sure your chicken bites turn out perfectly every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick Prep: The whole dish comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of basics, so no complicated shopping list needed.
- Irresistible Flavor: The garlic butter sauce gives the chicken bites a rich, savory punch you’ll want again and again.
- Family Favorite: Whenever I make this, my family goes crazy for it—kids and adults alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe come together like magic. The combination of Italian seasoning, fresh garlic, and parsley makes the chicken taste so fresh, and the butter gives it that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Plus, you can find everything in most kitchens already!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting them into bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and makes for perfect little morsels.
- All-purpose flour: This light coating helps create that irresistible golden crust on the chicken.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a lovely herb flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic and butter.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning is key, and freshly ground pepper always tastes better.
- Olive oil: I like using it for that subtle fruity flavor and a nice sear on the chicken.
- Unsalted butter: Divided into portions so you can get that buttery punch at the right cooking stages.
- Fresh garlic (minced): There’s no substitute for fresh garlic here—it’s what gives this recipe its signature flavor.
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Adds a fresh, green note to brighten the dish but feel free to sprinkle to taste!
Variations
I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have on hand and who I’m cooking for. You can easily make it your own by adding little twists or accommodating dietary preferences.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the flour coating for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Herb Swap: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme—you’ll still get that herbal warmth.
- Dairy-Free: I’ve tried swapping butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and while it’s a bit different, it’s still delicious.
- Garlic Infused Oil: For an even more profound garlic flavor, try cooking your olive oil with whole garlic cloves first, then adding the chicken.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Perfect Searing
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1 1/4-inch bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels, which is a little trick I learned really makes a difference in getting that golden crust. Then, sprinkle the all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken. Toss them well—this coating is what creates that amazing, slightly crispy exterior when you cook the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites to Golden Perfection
Heat your nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Let that butter melt and coat the pan evenly by tilting it around—this little step helps prevent sticking and encourages a nice even browning. Lay the chicken bites in a single layer, making sure to leave a little space between pieces so they don’t steam. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until beautifully golden on the bottom. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes on the other side—the chicken should start to look almost fully cooked.
Step 3: Finish with Garlic, Butter, and Fresh Parsley
Now the magic sauce moment: add the remaining butter in small chunks, along with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Stir gently and let everything cook together for just about a minute until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (no pink inside!). This step is what gives you that rich, garlicky butter flavor coating each bite — so good you’ll want to savor each one right away.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Pat Dry for Crispy Edges: I used to skip drying the chicken, but once I did it consistently, my bites got crispier and more golden.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in a single layer prevents steaming so you get that perfect sear every time.
- Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor: Avoid jarred garlic here—it just doesn’t give the same bright, punchy flavor that fresh minced garlic does.
- Add Butter at the Right Time: Adding the last of your butter with garlic near the end keeps the flavor fresh and prevents the butter from burning.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley over the top to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color. Sometimes, I’ll add a wedge of lemon on the side — a quick squeeze adds a lovely fresh zing that cuts through the buttery richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
One of my favorite ways to serve these chicken bites is alongside a simple garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up all that buttery sauce. Steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli add a nice crunch and color balance. Sometimes, I keep it light with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party appetizer, serve the garlic butter chicken bites on toothpicks with small dipping bowls of garlic aioli or spicy ranch. I’ve also layered them over toasted baguette slices for an easy crowd-pleasing crostini. And if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a beautiful and unexpected flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to cool leftovers completely before sealing them in an airtight container and storing in the fridge for up to 3 days. The garlic butter flavor actually deepens overnight, so the next day’s meal tastes even better! Just be sure to reheat gently so the chicken stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
Freezing works well too! I portion out the chicken bites in freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the oven to keep that buttery sauce luscious and fresh.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or extra butter. This revives the sauce and keeps the chicken moist without overcooking. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the texture is far better with stove reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and actually stay a little juicier thanks to their higher fat content. Just keep an eye on cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through. The garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with either cut.
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the center of the chicken bites should reach 165°F (74°C). Visually, the meat should be white through and there should be no pink inside. The garlic butter added at the end also helps finish the cooking nicely.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Olive oil alone also works but you’ll miss that rich buttery flavor. Fresh garlic and herbs will still shine through beautifully either way.
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What can I serve with garlic butter chicken bites to make it a full meal?
Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad to round out the meal. I love serving it over linguine tossed with a bit of olive oil for a quick pasta dinner. The buttery sauce works as an amazing “dressing” on sides!
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos when I want something delicious without fuss or long cooking times. It’s one of those dishes where the ingredients are humble but the flavors feel luxurious—and the best part? You can whip it up any night of the week and still impress everyone at the table. I really hope you give this recipe a shot; trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it just like my family does!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 9 min
- Cook Time: 6 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 3 servings (or 4 smaller servings)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites feature tender, juicy pieces of chicken breasts perfectly coated in a flavorful blend of flour, Italian seasoning, and garlic-infused butter. This quick and easy skillet dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner, delivering rich, savory flavors in just 15 minutes with minimal prep and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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 (approximately 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper used)
Cooking Fat 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: Heat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve better browning. Then sprinkle the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken pieces. Toss thoroughly so the flour and seasonings coat all pieces evenly without leftover flour on the board.
- Add Fat and Heat: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt quickly, then tilt the pan to evenly coat the surface with the oil and butter mixture.
- Cook Chicken First Side: Place the chicken pieces in a single even layer in the skillet, ensuring some space between them to prevent steaming. Cook without moving for about 3 minutes until the bottom side turns nicely golden brown.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken pieces to the other side and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Remaining Butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in small pieces along with the minced garlic and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for 1 more minute until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve the garlic butter chicken bites right away for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This is an easy 15-minute recipe requiring minimal prep and only a handful of basic ingredients.
- It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option that offers restaurant-quality flavor quickly.
- Use fresh garlic and parsley for the brightest and freshest taste.
- Ensure to keep the chicken pieces spaced in the pan to get golden browning rather than steaming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 394 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 422 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 151 mg
