If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than garlic butter chicken bites! This savory dish is perfect for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even meal prepping for the week. With tender chicken bites coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Want to know the secret to making the perfect garlic butter chicken bites? Keep reading as we walk you through every step of this flavorful recipe!
What are Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Garlic butter chicken bites are small, bite-sized pieces of chicken that are sautéed in a rich garlic and butter sauce. The chicken is usually seasoned with spices and herbs to elevate the flavor, and it’s pan-seared until golden brown. The magic lies in the balance of flavors—the garlic provides a strong savory punch, while the butter adds richness and smoothness to every bite. Not only are these chicken bites incredibly tasty, but they’re also versatile enough to be served with a variety of side dishes, from veggies to rice, pasta, or salad.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
To get started, gather these basic ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs (boneless and skinless) – 1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Butter – 3 tablespoons (preferably unsalted)
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon (for searing)
- Garlic – 4 cloves (minced)
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
- Salt – ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Pepper – ½ teaspoon (freshly ground)
- Red Pepper Flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional, for some heat)
- Parsley – 1 tablespoon (freshly chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon (for added brightness)
Additional Ingredients for More Flavor
While the basic ingredient list will give you a delicious result, adding a few extra ingredients can elevate the dish even further:
- Thyme or Rosemary – 1 teaspoon (fresh or dried) adds an herby depth to the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese – 2 tablespoons (grated) to sprinkle on top for a rich finish.
- Shallots or Onion – ¼ cup (finely diced) adds sweetness and complexity to the dish.
- White Wine or Chicken Broth – ¼ cup (for deglazing the pan and creating a sauce).
- Mushrooms – 1 cup (sliced) to add earthiness and make the dish more hearty.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this garlic butter chicken bites recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to suit your dietary preferences or taste:
- Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: If you prefer juicier chicken, opt for chicken thighs. They are slightly fattier and stay moist during cooking.
- Butter Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can substitute butter with olive oil or avocado oil. If you're dairy-free, try using a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Spice Level: If you like a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Herbs: Swap out parsley for other herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill, depending on your flavor preferences.
- Protein Variations: You can substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Keto-Friendly: To make this recipe keto-friendly, avoid adding flour or breadcrumbs as a coating and serve with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let the chicken sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. This helps prevent the butter from burning as it adds a higher smoke point.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook the chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Optional Deglaze: If using, pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan. This step is crucial as it helps lift all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which are packed with flavor.
- Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking garlic butter chicken bites isn’t complicated, but there are a few key tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers a much stronger and more vibrant flavor than garlic powder.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, give each piece enough room to brown. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, resulting in a less crispy exterior.
- Control the Heat: Butter burns quickly, so it's important to keep the heat at medium or medium-low when making the garlic butter sauce. Adding olive oil helps, but watch the temperature closely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Make sure to sear the chicken for just 3-4 minutes per side, and remove it from the pan as soon as it’s done.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn easily and turn bitter, so make sure you add it after the butter has melted and cook it gently.
- Skipping the Deglazing Step: The browned bits at the bottom of the pan are full of flavor, so don’t skip deglazing the pan with wine, broth, or water.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Garlic butter chicken bites are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and presenting them beautifully can elevate your meal. Here’s how to serve and present garlic butter chicken bites:
- Side Dishes: Serve the chicken bites with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even pasta. A light, crisp salad on the side can also help balance the richness of the dish.
- Bread for Dipping: Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are great for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
- Sauces: Serve with a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce, tzatziki, or a side of aioli for dipping.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic butter chicken bites can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even as part of a meal prep routine. They’re versatile enough to work in many settings:
- Appetizer: Skewer the chicken bites and serve them with dipping sauces at parties or gatherings.
- Main Course: Pair them with side dishes like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a bed of rice for a satisfying dinner.
- Meal Prep: Store them in an airtight container and enjoy them throughout the week with different sides like quinoa or salads.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Skewers: Place the chicken bites on mini skewers for a fancy presentation at parties or events.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Serve the chicken directly in the cast iron skillet you cooked them in for a rustic and homey look.
- Garnish with Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley, chives, or even microgreens can add a pop of color and freshness.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe Tips
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: Let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken well before cooking—this is key to ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time with the spices and store it in the fridge for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the chicken and cook it ahead of time. Just reheat in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for this recipe. Frozen chicken can release excess water during cooking, affecting the texture and browning.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure you cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover garlic butter chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Garlic butter chicken bites are a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your
recipe rotation. Whether you're serving them at a party, for a family meal, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Now that you know all the tips, variations, and tricks for perfect garlic butter chicken bites, it’s time to get cooking!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy, and packed with garlic flavor, making them a quick and easy dinner option. Seasoned chicken is seared to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce for an irresistible meal. Serve over rice or with veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, cubed
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat butter in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked.
- Add garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
- Toss the chicken in the garlic butter mixture.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
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