Looking for a quick, mouth-watering meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes? These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect choice! They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor thanks to the rich garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, an appetizer for guests, or just craving something delicious, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Read on for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips to make sure your chicken bites turn out perfect every time!
What Are Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are small pieces of chicken that are seasoned, pan-seared to crispy perfection, and coated in a buttery garlic sauce. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are tender, juicy, and loaded with garlicky goodness, making them ideal for dinner, lunch, or even as a snack. The key to this dish lies in the rich combination of garlic and butter, which creates a savory, decadent sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
These chicken bites are versatile, quick to cook, and perfect for anyone who loves big flavor in a small package.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to create these flavorful chicken bites:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-searing)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor and color)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or herbs of your choice)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Optional Ingredients:
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for a cheesy twist)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (for added aroma and flavor)
Substitutions and Variations
Cooking for someone with dietary restrictions or just want to try something new? Here are some easy substitutions and variations for this recipe:
- Chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts: If you prefer a juicier, more tender bite, swap out chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs. They’re higher in fat, but that only adds to the flavor!
- Butter alternatives: If you're dairy-free, try using vegan butter or ghee for a similar richness. Coconut oil is another option, though it will give a slightly different flavor.
- Herb variations: Not a fan of Italian seasoning? Substitute it with dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano. Fresh herbs will also work beautifully!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or toss in some red pepper flakes if you like your chicken bites with a little heat.
- Lemon zest: Want an extra punch of freshness? Add some lemon zest to the butter sauce for a bright, citrusy note.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to cook up these delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites? Follow these simple steps for a flawless dish.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken bites in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on one side to form a golden crust.
- Flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until fully melted.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
- Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce until they are fully coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top or add lemon wedges on the side.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Season chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
- Sear chicken: In a hot skillet, sear the chicken on all sides until golden and fully cooked through.
- Make garlic butter: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Toss and combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Top with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: If you add too many pieces of chicken at once, they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Make sure to keep an eye on it while cooking, as burnt garlic can give your dish a bitter taste.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken! A well-seasoned base is key to a flavorful dish.
- Not patting the chicken dry: If the chicken is too moist, it won’t develop that crispy golden exterior.
Serving and Presentation Tips
You’ve made your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites—now it’s time to serve them up!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- On a bed of rice or quinoa: For a complete meal, serve the chicken bites over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- With a side of vegetables: Pair the chicken with sautéed greens like spinach or roasted broccoli for a nutritious meal.
- In a wrap or pita: Stuff the chicken bites into a warm pita or tortilla, add fresh veggies, and drizzle with garlic sauce for a flavorful wrap.
- As an appetizer: Serve these bites on skewers or toothpicks for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Garnish with fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness.
- Serve with lemon wedges: The bright acidity of lemon perfectly balances the richness of the butter sauce.
- Use a cast-iron skillet: For a rustic presentation, serve the chicken bites directly in the skillet at the table.
- Add colorful sides: Pair the chicken with roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or a mixed green salad to add vibrant color to the plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe Tips
- Cut chicken evenly: Try to keep the chicken pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t skip the resting period: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. This helps retain the juices, keeping the bites tender.
- Make extra sauce: If you’re serving this dish over pasta or rice, consider doubling the butter sauce so you can drizzle it over your sides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat it. However, it’s best to make the garlic butter sauce fresh when serving to retain the best flavor.
2. Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet or oven when ready to serve. However, the garlic butter sauce is best made fresh.
3. What side dishes go well with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
These bites pair well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh garden salad.
4. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even searing and cooking.
Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a versatile, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any meal or occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe in no time. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or pairing them with sides for a main course, these chicken bites are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the buttery, garlicky goodness!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
This garlic butter chicken bites recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish made with juicy chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this easy recipe uses minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. The garlic-infused butter creates a delightful taste that complements the tender chicken, making it a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, cubed
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Serve with vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
Leave a Reply