Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are incredibly easy to make yet bursting with flavor. The combination of tender chicken and a creamy garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible. The sauce is savory, slightly rich, and fragrant, making every bite of chicken coated in a heavenly, garlicky goodness. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and delicious. Plus, you can serve these bites on their own or pair them with your favorite sides like rice, veggies, or a salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Bites:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or fresh if you have it)
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Preparing the Chicken Bites:
-
Season the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
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Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally so the chicken cooks evenly on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:
-
Melt the butter: In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
-
Add seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, lemon juice (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Bringing It Together:
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Combine the chicken and sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let everything simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
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Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the garlic butter chicken bites over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables. They also pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or in a wrap for a quick lunch.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce to add more heat.
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Add Veggies: Toss in some vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to make this a more complete one-pan meal.
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Herb Variations: Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for a different flavor profile.
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: For a more citrusy flavor, add more lemon juice or zest the lemon over the top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe as they are juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the chicken is best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Reheat in a skillet and toss everything together just before serving.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, would work wonderfully in this recipe. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs in place of the dried herbs.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! You can use dairy-free butter or a plant-based alternative to make this recipe dairy-free while keeping the rich, flavorful sauce.
Can I add a creamy element to the sauce?
For a creamy garlic butter sauce, you can stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk into the garlic butter sauce to make it richer and more indulgent.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. The combination of tender chicken, savory garlic butter sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes for a satisfying meal that’s both simple and delicious. Whether served with a side of pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is versatile, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect meal for any night of the week.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a savory, creamy garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or as an appetizer. The rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and herbs makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
6 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or fresh if you have it)
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
-
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preparing the Chicken Bites:
-
Season the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
-
Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
-
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:
-
Melt the butter: In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
-
Add seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, lemon juice (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
-
-
Bringing It Together:
-
Combine the chicken and sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let everything simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
-
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.Customizations: Add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the skillet for a more complete one-pan meal.
