If you’re craving a quick, restaurant-worthy dinner with tons of flavor but minimal fuss, my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is your new weeknight hero. You’ll be blown away by how just a handful of pantry staples come together in minutes to create golden, buttery chicken morsels with a pop of zingy garlic and a fresh finish. Whether you’re fixing a satisfying meal for the family or want to impress guests with something super simple, this skillet chicken delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by this short ingredient list—every item plays a big part in crafting the bold, mouthwatering taste and scrumptious texture you expect from an irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe. These simple ingredients are all about letting the juicy chicken shine with savory, herby notes and a hint of brightness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ lbs): Cutting them into bite-sized pieces allows for even cooking and perfect sear on every morsel.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and color, lending the chicken a subtle smoky depth.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the natural savory notes of the other ingredients.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings a mellow hint of heat and complexity to every bite.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve that gorgeous sear while keeping the chicken moist.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Makes a rich, silky sauce that infuses every piece with that classic garlic butter flavor.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): The star flavor—aromatic, punchy, and totally irresistible.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a fresh, herby pop and a splash of color for easy presentation.
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional): Brightens and balances the richness right at the table.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry, then toss them in a bowl with paprika, salt, and pepper, making sure every piece gets coated. This simple blend not only seasons the chicken but also helps it caramelize beautifully in the skillet.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, spread the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t fuss with them! Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes so you get that lovely golden crust.
Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking
After the first side is seared, give the chicken pieces a quick flip. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until they’re golden all over and cooked through. The key is to avoid over-crowding so each piece gets its moment to shine.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and the minced garlic directly to the pan, stirring to fully coat the chicken. Let the garlic sizzle for 1–2 minutes—just until it’s fragrant and the butter turns a gorgeous amber color. Don’t let the garlic burn!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve your chicken hot alongside lemon wedges for squeezing over at the table. The vibrant green and bright citrus are totally irresistible against the rich, garlicky sauce.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or finely sliced scallions is all you need for a touch of color and freshness. I love adding a few extra cracks of black pepper too, and always put out lemon wedges—just a quick squeeze lifts the butter and garlic to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is super versatile, so you can serve it up with almost anything. Fluffy white rice, hot buttered noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes catch every drop of sauce. For lighter fare, pile it over a crisp green salad or roasted veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For appetizers, stick toothpicks in each chicken bite and set them out on a platter with a drizzle of garlic butter. You can also use these chicken bites in wraps, tucked inside pita, or as a quick protein boost scattered over grain bowls. If you’re feeling fancy, add them atop cheesy polenta or garlic toast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy flavorful chicken bites again and again throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for even busier days, freeze the cooled chicken bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra butter to keep everything juicy and saucy. You can also use the microwave in 30-second bursts, but take care not to overcook to maintain their tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully here and give even juicier results—just trim any extra fat and cook as directed in the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for a plant-based butter substitute. The flavor will change a bit but you’ll still get a delicious, garlicky chicken dish.
Do I have to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic really is the star of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe, but in a pinch, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Just add it with the paprika instead of with the butter.
What’s the best way to get a good sear on the chicken?
Make sure your pan is hot and don’t overcrowd—if needed, cook the chicken in batches. Letting the chicken cook undisturbed on the first side is also essential for that gorgeous golden crust.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s not spicy as written, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little heat. The Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is super easy to tweak to your family’s taste buds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable and utterly delicious main dish to keep in your weeknight rotation, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe should be at the top of your list. Give it a try soon—you might just fall in love with how easy (and crave-worthy!) dinner can be.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned, seared to perfection, and then coated in a garlic butter sauce. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Optional:
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken until golden.
- Add Garlic Butter: Add butter and garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley, serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with red pepper flakes or white wine in the sauce.
- Delicious over rice, pasta, or salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
