If you are searching for a dish that combines simplicity, bold flavor, and a touch of comfort, then you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe. These tender, juicy chicken bites cooked in garlic-infused butter are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. The rich garlic butter sauce clings beautifully to every morsel, making each bite bursting with savory goodness that will have you coming back for seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients that each play a critical role in creating a delicious dish. From the buttery richness to the bright punch of garlic and the aromatic herbs, every component enhances the taste, texture, and color of the chicken bites.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choosing thighs adds extra juiciness, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that signature bold flavor that defines this dish.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter provides richness and a silky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken without burning the butter.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that injects warmth and earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a lovely pop of green color and fresh herbal brightness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors and balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized chunks and patting them dry with a paper towel. Drying is an important step because it helps the chicken brown beautifully instead of steaming. Next, season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build layers of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Heat Your Skillet and Fat
In a large skillet, warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. This combination gives you a high smoke point from the oil, while the butter adds incredible flavor, setting the stage for perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Bites
Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the skillet to allow even browning. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they achieve a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside so you can build the sauce in the same pan.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for around 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This step infuses the butter with deep, aromatic garlic flavor that will coat the chicken bites marvelously without burning the garlic.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Garlic Butter
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat every bite in that luscious garlic butter sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top. Aside from adding a burst of vibrant color, the parsley introduces a fresh herbal note that balances the richness perfectly. Serve the chicken bites warm and watch everyone dig in happily.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, but feel free to get creative! A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can elevate the flavors even more and add a delightful brightness or umami punch.
Side Dishes
These chicken bites pair wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes, which soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, crisp green salad or roasted vegetables bring balance to the plate and add color and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bites on warm toasted baguette slices as crostini for a party appetizer, or pile them on top of pasta for a quick and indulgent dinner. You could also stuff them into pita bread with some fresh veggies and a dollop of yogurt sauce for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic butter flavor holds up nicely, making these chicken bites a perfect option for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken bites by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken bites gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep them moist and preserve the lovely garlic butter sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes dry out the chicken and affect the sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicy, which makes them excellent for this recipe. Use boneless, skinless thighs for best results and cook until nicely browned.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use olive oil accordingly. While the flavor will be slightly different, it will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! The ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check that your Italian seasoning and any other packaged ingredients don’t contain gluten additives.
How spicy is this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe?
This recipe is mild and flavorful rather than spicy. If you want to add some heat, feel free to sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
You can season the chicken and cut it into pieces ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. Cooking fresh will always yield the best texture and flavor, though!
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is a fantastic dish to have in your weekly rotation when you want something quick, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Its rich garlic butter sauce combined with juicy chicken bites never fail to impress. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with your friends or family — it might just become your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Succulent chicken bites cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce with Italian seasoning and fresh parsley. This quick and easy stovetop recipe delivers a flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or a savory snack.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and pat them dry thoroughly. Season the chicken evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and the oil to heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the chicken chunks in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the chicken pieces are browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss Chicken in Garlic Butter: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss the chicken pieces to coat them thoroughly in the sauce, then let it simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley evenly over the chicken bites for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor. Serve the dish warm immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breast.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Butter and olive oil combination helps prevent the butter from burning.
