If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, unfussily elegant, and bursting with flavor, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites absolutely fits the bill. Tender, golden seared chicken cubes are tossed in a dreamy garlic butter sauce for a meal that feels special—yet is ready in under 25 minutes! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll crave these juicy bites for everything from salads to grain bowls, or just all by themselves. Simple, satisfying, and gloriously garlicky—this might be your new go-to chicken dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Garlic Butter Chicken Bites so magical is how just a handful of ingredients come together to transform humble chicken. Each component is chosen for a reason—whether to season, add richness, or bring a pop of freshness and brightness!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): These make for quick, lean, and super tender bites; you can swap in thighs for an even juicier result.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Unlocks the natural flavor of the chicken and ensures every bite is well-seasoned.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For gentle, earthy heat that balances the richness of the butter.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds color and a subtle smoky note that makes these chicken bites irresistible.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps develop a beautiful golden crust while keeping the chicken moist inside.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): The backbone of that glorious, silky garlic sauce—don’t skimp here!
- Fresh garlic, minced (4 cloves): The bold, aromatic star of the dish; adjust the amount to your garlic-loving heart’s desire.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds color and fresh, herby flavor to finish.
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional): A squeeze at the end lifts and brightens every bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Place your chicken pieces in a mixing bowl and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss everything together so each chicken bite is evenly coated. This quick seasoning step ensures plenty of flavor is packed into every morsel and preps the chicken to caramelize beautifully in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Let the chicken cook for five to six minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is deeply golden and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—you’ll bring it back for a glorious buttery finish.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add your butter directly into the same skillet. Let it melt gently, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the pan. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about a minute until your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible and the garlic is just softened—not browned. Watch closely—garlic cooks quickly!
Step 4: Toss and Finish the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece generously in that luscious garlic butter sauce. Let everything cook together for another minute or two, just enough for the flavors to meld. Once you’re there, take the skillet off the heat and get ready to serve up some magic.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley over these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites adds a burst of color and fresh herbiness that brightens up the dish. For an extra touch, a generous squeeze of lemon right before diving in will cut through the richness and make the flavors pop, so keep those wedges handy!
Side Dishes
These bites are so versatile—they love being stacked on creamy mashed potatoes, spooned over buttery rice, or tumbled onto a crisp green salad. For a low-carb take, pair Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with cauliflower rice or a plate of roasted veggies. The buttery sauce is meant to be soaked up, so don’t let any go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Garlic Butter Chicken Bites into a party showstopper by threading them onto skewers for easy appetizers, or tuck them into lettuce wraps for something light and fresh. You can even toss them with your favorite cooked pasta for a quick weeknight version of chicken scampi—delicious and inventive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them a fantastic make-ahead lunch option for busy weeks.
Freezing
Prefer to prep ahead? You can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just note the texture of the chicken might change slightly once reheated, but the flavor will still shine.
Reheating
For best results, warm leftover chicken bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep them moist. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, just use short intervals so the chicken stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a brilliant substitute—they’re even juicier and a bit more forgiving if you accidentally cook them a minute too long. Just trim any excess fat before cooking for the best results.
What’s the best way to mince garlic for this recipe?
Peel your cloves and use either a garlic press for quick, fine mince, or smash and chop them with a sharp knife. The finer the garlic, the more evenly it will infuse your butter sauce, so go for a pretty small chop here.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites dairy free?
Definitely! Swap out the butter for a high-quality vegan butter or more olive oil. The flavor profile will shift a bit, but you’ll still get super juicy, garlicky chicken chunks that are dairy free.
How do I know when the chicken bites are cooked through?
The chicken is ready when it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. If you want to be certain, a quick-read thermometer should register 165°F when inserted into the thickest piece.
Are Garlic Butter Chicken Bites gluten-free?
Yes! As written, this recipe contains no gluten ingredients, making it a perfect option for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Just double check all your labels to be extra safe.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a fast, flavor-packed meal to keep in your dinner rotation! I hope Garlic Butter Chicken Bites find their way onto your table soon. With how easy and irresistible they are, I bet they’ll become a regular request at your house too.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 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, cooked until golden, and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden. Remove from pan.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Finish and Serve: Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Pair with rice, pasta, or salad for a complete meal.
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