If ever there was a dish that could win over even the pickiest eaters, it’s Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce. Imagine tender, golden chicken morsels perfectly seasoned, kissed with a garlicky butter, and then swirled in a dreamy, herby cream sauce that clings to every bite. This recipe delivers comfort food with a gourmet twist—quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough for company. Whether you serve it over fluffy potatoes, a bed of rice, or just with a big green salad, every forkful bursts with flavor and coziness. Get ready to fall in love with a new dinner favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create serious wow-factor. Each element brings its own character—juicy chicken, nutty Parmesan, fragrant herbs, and rich cream—for a dish that’s both easy and deeply satisfying.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for the perfect juicy, golden bite every time.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle peppery heat that balances the rich sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a hint of Mediterranean flair and depth to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with a subtle, savory flavor right from the start.
- Parmesan Cheese: Gives a salty, nutty kick and helps the chicken bites develop a gorgeous crust.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds extra flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Used in both chicken and sauce for that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Fresh Garlic: Nothing beats the punch of freshly minced garlic in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to a rich, velvety sauce that hugs every bite.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a hint of tang and depth to the creamy herb sauce.
- Dried Thyme: Brings a gentle earthiness to the sauce.
- Dried Parsley: Gives a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Balances and perfects the sauce at the very end.
How to Make Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce
Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. This quick prep step is where the flavor journey begins—the cheese and seasoning will create a light crust on the chicken as it cooks, locking in moisture and adding layers of taste in every bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if you need to! Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden and cooked through. In the last minute of cooking, stir in the minced garlic so it gets just fragrant without burning. Remove the chicken and set it aside, but don’t clean out the skillet—you’ll want those flavorful browned bits for the sauce!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, just long enough for its aroma to bloom. Pour in the heavy cream, then add the Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Let it all simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Taste and season with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Return your golden chicken bites to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy herb sauce. Stir gently to coat each piece in that luxurious mixture. Let them warm through for another 1 to 2 minutes, so every bite is infused with garlicky, herby goodness. Now you’re ready to plate up and enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and a pretty finish, sprinkle your Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh parsley. If you love a touch of brightness, a few chives or a squeeze of lemon can also work wonders.
Side Dishes
This dish is a superstar alongside mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, rice, or buttered noodles—anything that can soak up every drop of that dreamy sauce. For something lighter, try steamed green beans or a crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce family-style in a beautiful skillet at the center of the table, or pile them onto toasted slices of baguette for an elegant appetizer. For a fun twist, stuff them into warm pita pockets or serve over a bed of baby spinach for a protein-packed salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring often, to avoid overcooking the chicken or breaking the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, and work beautifully in Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce. Just trim any excess fat and cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
While the creamy Parmesan sauce is central to this recipe, you can try dairy-free alternatives such as plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan. The flavor will be different, but the dish will still be deliciously satisfying.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the creamy herb sauce up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat and toss with freshly cooked chicken bites.
What’s the best way to get the chicken bites crispy?
For the best golden crust, make sure your skillet is hot and don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for a few minutes on each side, and use real Parmesan for extra crispiness.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Stir in some baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes when you add the chicken back to the sauce for a colorful, veggie-packed version of Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce—it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table smile. If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy and impressive, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites cooked to golden perfection and served with a rich, creamy herb sauce. This easy skillet recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in Parmesan and Italian herbs, sautéed with garlic butter, and finished with a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Herb Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. During the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy herb sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them to coat evenly with the creamy herb sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra grated Parmesan or fresh herbs. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty and complete meal.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to achieve a nice golden crust.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
