Get ready to fall in love with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites – the kind of dinner that checks every box for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Tiny, golden-seared chicken bites are swathed in garlicky, buttery goodness, delivering huge flavor with minimal effort. What makes this dish a must-try is its simplicity: six everyday ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing, restaurant-worthy meal in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing guests, or sneaking a bite right from the skillet (no judgment), Garlic Butter Chicken Bites promise to be your new go-to for delicious versatility.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those recipes where each ingredient plays a starring role. The lineup is short, super approachable, and proves that a handful of good basics is all you need to create flavor-packed Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, every time.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect browning and fast, even cooking.
- Olive Oil: Adds a mild richness and helps the chicken get that golden, irresistible crust when searing.
- Unsalted Butter: The backbone of that dreamy garlic sauce; use unsalted to control the salt level and ensure the perfect finish.
- Garlic: Four big cloves bring robust, zesty aroma and flavor – fresh minced garlic is key here.
- Paprika: A sprinkle lends gorgeous color and subtle warmth that complements the buttery sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper: The essential seasoning duo for drawing out the chicken’s natural savoriness.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley isn’t just pretty – it freshens and brightens the whole dish at the end.
- Lemon Wedges (optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top brings brightness and cuts through the richness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Every bite should get a little of that smoky warmth and a salty-savory hug before it hits the pan. This simple seasoning step sets the stage for mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken Bites that really pop.
Step 2: Sear for Golden Perfection
Pour olive oil and a tablespoon of butter into a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Once the butter’s bubbling and the pan is hot, spread the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear, undisturbed, for 3 to 4 minutes – this is how you get that deliciously golden crust. Flip and give it another 3 to 4 minutes so each bite turns juicy and golden on all sides.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic Butter Goodness
Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the remaining two tablespoons of butter and your minced garlic right into the skillet. Stir constantly for just 1 to 2 minutes; you want the garlic fragrant but not browned, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every piece. The whole kitchen will smell like heaven!
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Pull the skillet off the heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites immediately with lemon wedges. The quick burst of citrus takes each buttery bite to a whole new level, and the pop of green is just so inviting.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garnishes
My favorite finishing touches include a shower of chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. Try a dusting of grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add a little zing or extra savory richness to your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.
Side Dishes
These bites are super versatile! Spoon them over fluffy white rice, velvety mashed potatoes, or twirl them into your favorite pasta for a meal that soaks up every drop of garlic butter. They’re also fantastic alongside steamed veggies, a crisp green salad, or even tucked into warm pita or flatbread for something a little different.
Creative Ways to Present
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites shine for casual dinners and parties alike. Thread them on toothpicks for bite-size appetizers, toss them into a grain bowl with roasted veggies, or pile them onto slider rolls for a mini sandwich platter. You can even use leftovers as a tasty protein boost for salads or wraps the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, let the chicken cool completely first. Arrange the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for about 2 months and can be reheated straight from frozen, making mealtime a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra butter to revive the sauce. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but the skillet method keeps the texture at its best.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap if you want an even juicier bite. Just trim any excess fat before cutting into cubes, and cook as directed. The extra richness is delicious with the garlicky butter sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are all about buttery, savory flavor with a gentle warmth from paprika. Want some heat? Toss in a pinch of cayenne or a few red pepper flakes.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Of course! Simply scale up the ingredients. For the best results, sear the chicken in batches so each piece gets that golden sear, and then combine everything together for the final garlic butter toss.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken tender?
Cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking, and don’t overcook! The fast, high-heat sear locks in moisture. Pull the pan from the heat as soon as your bites are golden and cooked through for perfect texture.
Can I meal-prep Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Definitely. These bites are awesome for meal prep – just store cooked chicken in single-serve containers with your favorite sides. They reheat beautifully, making them ideal for ready-to-go lunches or speedy dinners.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a simple, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites deliver every time. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again – once you taste that garlicky, buttery goodness, it’s hard to resist. Give them a try and make them your new weeknight favorite!
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 flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a savory garlic butter sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to be a hit with your family.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Coat Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes without stirring to get a golden crust. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown on all sides.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet, and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the butter coats the chicken.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Great served over rice, mashed potatoes, or tossed into pasta.
- You can swap butter for ghee or use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
