Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the ultimate solution for busy evenings. Imagine perfectly juicy chicken pieces bathed in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce, all ready in just 15 minutes. With minimal prep and incredible flavor, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite you’ll make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
You’re going to adore this easy chicken recipe for so many reasons. It truly makes mealtime a breeze!
- Fast and simple weeknight meal: Get dinner on the table in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Requires only a few basic ingredients: You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already.
- Delivers incredible flavor in every bite: The rich garlic butter sauce elevates simple chicken to something special.
- Chicken stays perfectly tender and juicy: Learn the simple trick to prevent dry chicken.
- Versatile for pairing with various sides: It tastes amazing with pasta, rice, or your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Making delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful dish:
- 1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (approx. 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even richer, more succulent flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can also use bread flour or even cake flour if that’s what you have on hand.
- Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, simply create your own blend. Combine equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Butter: If you only have salted butter, use it! Just be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.
- Garlic: For optimal taste and aroma, we truly insist on using fresh minced garlic. It makes all the difference compared to jarred garlic.
- Parsley: Don’t hesitate to increase the amount of fresh parsley for more vibrant, herby notes and a beautiful pop of color.
Equipment You’ll Need
Gathering your tools before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll need just a few basic kitchen items for these tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 12-inch non-stick skillet
- Cutting board and a sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Paper towels
- Tongs or a spatula
- An instant-read meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended for accuracy)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps for tender, flavorful chicken every time.
Step 1: Prep Chicken. First, thoroughly pat your chicken pieces dry on all sides with paper towels. This crucial step helps them brown beautifully. Next, cut the chicken into uniform 1 1/4-inch bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Season Chicken. In a medium bowl, sprinkle the all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, salt (about 3/4 tsp), and freshly ground black pepper (about 1/2 tsp) over the chicken pieces. Toss everything together really well until the chicken is evenly coated. All the flour should adhere to the chicken, not be left behind in the bowl.
Step 3: Preheat Skillet. Place your 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat up for a minute or two until hot.
Step 4: Sear Chicken. Add 1 Tbsp of olive oil and 1 Tbsp of unsalted butter to the hot skillet. The butter should melt quickly. Tilt the pan to evenly coat the bottom. Now, add the coated chicken in a single, even layer. Make sure to leave a little space between the pieces so they sear rather than steam. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden brown on the bottom, which takes about 3 minutes. Flip each piece to the opposite side and cook for another 2 minutes, or until nearly cooked through.
Step 5: Create Garlic Butter Sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, along with the minced fresh garlic and chopped fresh parsley to the pan.
Step 6: Finish Cooking. Sauté for 1 minute longer, stirring gently to coat the chicken in the aromatic garlic butter. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the center using a meat thermometer, confirming it’s no longer pink.
Step 7: Serve Immediately. Transfer the cooked chicken bites and all that delicious garlic butter sauce to a serving dish. Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken Bites right away!
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Achieving perfectly juicy and flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is easy with these simple pointers.
- Dry chicken thoroughly: Patting the chicken very dry with paper towels is key for a crispy, golden-brown sear.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and even cooking.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best, most aromatic, and vibrant flavor to your sauce.
- Monitor heat: Keep an eye on your heat to prevent the garlic from burning, which can turn bitter quickly.
- Cook chicken to 165°F: Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety and optimal juiciness. For comprehensive food safety information, the USDA provides detailed guidelines on the minimum internal temperature for cooked poultry.
- Adjust salt and pepper: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your personal preference before serving.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
These versatile Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these delectable chicken bites over a bed of fluffy couscous, warm rice, or your favorite pasta. Try it with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of Parmesan!
- Pair them with complementary roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a complete meal.
- Don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce.
- For a fun appetizer, serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Storage & Reheating
- Allow any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. This helps the chicken retain its moisture and tenderness.
Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Easily swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. Just add an extra minute or so to the cooking time.
- Lemon Herb: Finish your dish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, zesty lift.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning when coating the chicken.
- Cheesy: Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the last minute of cooking for a wonderfully savory, cheesy twist.
Nutrition Information
Chicken, a lean protein, offers a variety of health benefits and is recognized for its valuable nutritional contributions to a balanced diet. Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Please remember that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 394 kcal |
| Fat Content | 21g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 9g |
| Cholesterol Content | 151mg |
| Sodium Content | 422mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 8g |
| Fiber Content | 1g |
| Sugar Content | 1g |
| Protein Content | 42g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions about making the best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites? We’ve got answers!
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully; just add about a minute to the overall cook time.
- Can I bake these chicken bites? Pan-frying is highly recommended for these chicken bites to achieve optimal browning and a rich, seared flavor that baking won’t replicate.
- How do I ensure the chicken is crispy? For crispy chicken, always pat the chicken very dry, use sufficiently high heat, and avoid overcrowding your skillet.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? This dish is best served fresh, but you can cut and season the chicken a few hours in advance to save some time.
Conclusion
There you have it – incredibly easy, ridiculously fast, and absolutely delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. This recipe proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a memorable meal. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and homemade. Go ahead, give these a try, and watch them become a new staple in your home. Don’t forget to comment, rate, and share your experiences below!
Speedy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Your 15-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the chicken dry on all sides with paper towels.
- Sprinkle flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken, then toss well to ensure an even coating.
- Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter to the skillet, allowing the butter to melt quickly, then tilt the pan to coat evenly.
- Add the chicken in an even layer to the skillet, making sure to leave some space between pieces for proper browning.
- Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes until nicely golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook for 2 minutes longer until nearly cooked through.
- Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter in small pieces, along with the garlic and parsley, and cook for 1 minute longer until the chicken reaches 165°F in the center and is no longer pink.
- Serve the garlic butter chicken bites immediately.