If you’re looking for a dish that delivers a delicious punch of flavor while being incredibly easy to make, the Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe is an absolute gem. These tender, golden chicken bites are perfectly coated in an irresistible garlic butter and Parmesan mixture, then paired with a tangy, smooth herb sauce that elevates every mouthful. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for quick dinners, crowd-pleasing appetizers, or meal prep magic that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new favorite go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because each ingredient plays a crucial role, bringing together simple pantry staples and fresh herbs for unbeatable flavor and texture. From the savory Parmesan to the fresh parsley, every item contributes to making these chicken bites irresistibly tasty and visually inviting.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces ensure quick, even cooking and easy snacking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps create a golden crust.
- 3 tablespoons butter: For that luscious, velvety garlic butter sauce coating the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Packs a fragrant punch that defines the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a cheesy, nutty depth that crisps up beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds complexity and aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (divided): Brightens the dish with fresh color and a mild herbal note.
- For the Creamy Herb Sauce: An easy-to-whisk combo of sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, chives or green onions, plus salt and pepper creates a luscious complement.
How to Make Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Herb Sauce
Begin by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and chives, seasoning it well with salt and pepper. This sauce can be made ahead of time and chilled until the chicken bites are ready, allowing those fresh herbs to infuse the creamy base perfectly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Bites
Next, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and the grated Parmesan cheese. This step ensures each piece is evenly coated with that savory, cheesy mixture that will create a golden crust when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer — if your skillet isn’t large enough, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each bite for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. The butter and Parmesan coating will give you a mouthwatering crust.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Butter Finish
During the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss the chicken gently so those bites get fully coated in the aromatic garlic butter sauce, letting the garlic soften just enough to release its flavor without burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove your skillet from the heat and sprinkle half of the reserved fresh parsley over the chicken bites for an instant pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, accompanied by the creamy herb sauce for dipping or drizzling, garnished with the remaining parsley for a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley really livens up the plate visually and refreshes the palate with every bite. For an extra touch, a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up even more. These small details make your dish look as enticing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These chicken bites are incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with a simple green salad for a light meal or served alongside buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for something heartier. Roasted vegetables or a crisp coleslaw also add great texture contrasts and keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these chicken bites into stellar appetizers by skewering them with toothpicks and placing small ramekins of the creamy herb sauce for dipping at a party. Or try serving them over a bed of garlic sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles for a low-carb, colorful plate that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your chicken bites in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep your creamy herb sauce separate to maintain its fresh texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bites longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat to retain their crispy crust, or use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bites soggy. Warm the sauce separately and then serve together fresh and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and add a bit more juiciness to the bites. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is the creamy herb sauce necessary?
While the chicken bites are delicious on their own, the creamy herb sauce adds a fresh, tangy contrast that really elevates the dish. It’s what brings a cooling balance to the garlic butter richness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute instead of Parmesan. For the sauce, use dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise versions to keep it creamy without dairy.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe leans towards savory and comforting rather than spicy. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter or sprinkle some cayenne if you want to introduce a bit of heat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! The creamy herb sauce can be made a day ahead, and the chicken bites can be cooked in advance and reheated just before serving. This makes it perfect for entertaining with minimal last-minute fuss.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe — it’s effortless, satisfying, and packed with layers of comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself after a busy day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Go ahead, dive in, and make this your next delicious meal or appetizer to share with loved ones!
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Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a garlic butter sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Served with a cool, creamy herb dipping sauce made from sour cream, mayo, and fresh herbs, this dish is perfect for quick dinners, appetizers, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
Creamy Herb Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, chives (or green onions), and salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and toss them evenly with the grated Parmesan cheese to coat thoroughly.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer to the skillet (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Butter: During the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, tossing continuously to coat the chicken thoroughly in the garlic butter.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle half of the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken. Serve the garlic butter Parmesan chicken bites warm, accompanied by the creamy herb sauce for dipping or drizzling, garnished with the remaining parsley.
Notes
- These chicken bites are excellent for meal prep, appetizers, or quick weeknight dinners.
- The creamy herb sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve the chicken bites over rice or a fresh salad to make a complete meal.
