Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken coated in a rich, buttery, and garlicky sauce that’s irresistibly flavorful. This dish is perfect for when you want a quick and easy dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a versatile protein to pair with your favorite sides. Whether you’re a garlic lover or just looking for a delicious way to elevate simple chicken, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—made with just a few pantry staples like butter, garlic, and chicken, it’s a dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. But don’t let its simplicity fool you! The flavor is bold, savory, and utterly satisfying. Serve these chicken bites over rice, pasta, or with a fresh salad for a complete meal, or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive deep into how to make perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, with tips, techniques, variations, and serving suggestions to ensure you nail this recipe every time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: Garlic and butter combine to create a rich, savory sauce that coats every piece of chicken.
- Versatile: Serve as a main course, appetizer, or add to salads, wraps, or pasta.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild, buttery flavor makes this dish a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasonings or add extras like vegetables or herbs to make it your own.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded (cook in batches if necessary).
- Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on one side without moving, allowing a golden crust to form. Flip the pieces and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice (if using) for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites to a serving dish and garnish with extra parsley.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides or as an appetizer. Enjoy!
Ingredient Background
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, but thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked.
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the dish. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to this recipe’s bold flavor. Mince it finely for even cooking.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth to the chicken, enhancing its overall flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, which complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
Technique Tips
- Cut Evenly: Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size to cook evenly and prevent some pieces from drying out.
- Preheat the Pan: A hot pan helps sear the chicken properly, locking in juices and creating a golden crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter. Cook it on medium heat and stir frequently.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Add parsley at the end for a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Garlic Butter Chicken Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers before cooking, and serve as an appetizer or party snack.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Salad: Toss the chicken bites with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy salad.
- Over Pasta: Serve the chicken bites over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti, and drizzle the garlic butter sauce on top.
- Rice Bowl: Create a garlic butter chicken bowl with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, and avocado slices.
- Appetizer Platter: Serve alongside a dipping sauce like ranch, aioli, or garlic yogurt for a party-friendly option.
Additional Tips for Success
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken with the seasonings for 30 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a complete one-pan meal.
- Use Ghee: For a nuttier flavor and higher smoke point, replace butter with ghee in the sauce.
- Keep It Warm: If serving as an appetizer, keep the chicken bites warm in a low-temperature oven (200°F/95°C) until ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicier kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Butter Chicken: Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill.
- Keto Garlic Butter Chicken: Keep the carbs low by serving the chicken bites with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Chicken: Add shrimp to the skillet for a surf-and-turf version of this dish.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken bites in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Use Olive Oil: Replace half the butter with olive oil for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Skinless Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more nutrient-rich than breasts.
- Add Leafy Greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added vitamins and minerals.
- Reduce Salt: Use unsalted butter and adjust the salt in the seasoning to fit your dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Weeknight Dinner: Serve the chicken bites with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Game-Day Appetizer: Arrange the chicken bites on a platter with toothpicks and dipping sauces for a party-friendly snack.
- Holiday Buffet: Include the chicken bites as part of a festive buffet spread, paired with rice pilaf and steamed veggies.
- Meal Prep: Pack the chicken bites with cooked quinoa and roasted broccoli in meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Useful for stirring the garlic and flipping the chicken pieces.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is fully cooked (165°F/74°C) without overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking. - What can I substitute for fresh garlic?
Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh garlic provides the best flavor. - How do I prevent the butter from burning?
Lower the heat when adding the butter, or mix it with olive oil to increase the smoke point. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. - What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are great options. - How do I make the dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. - Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are low-carb and keto-friendly when served with keto-approved sides like cauliflower rice.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create an extraordinary dish. With its juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and endless serving possibilities, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests with minimal effort. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, these chicken bites are destined to become a go-to recipe in your repertoire. Try it today and enjoy the irresistible combination of garlic, butter, and perfectly cooked chicken!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded (cook in batches if necessary).
- Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on one side without moving, allowing a golden crust to form. Flip the pieces and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice (if using) for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites to a serving dish and garnish with extra parsley.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides or as an appetizer. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g