Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are one of those dishes that are simple to prepare, yet bursting with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a savory and buttery chicken dish. The combination of juicy chicken bites sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce can turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. But don't just take our word for it—read through this guide for the full recipe, variations, tips, and much more to create your own flavorful masterpiece.
What Are Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a delicious garlic-infused butter sauce. This dish is versatile, quick to make, and can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even a part of a meal prep plan. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, but the result is mouthwatering. You'll experience perfectly seared chicken with golden-brown edges, coated in a smooth and garlicky butter sauce.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delectable dish:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided.
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves of fresh garlic, minced (you can adjust the amount based on your love for garlic).
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil for searing the chicken.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt or more, to taste.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon of smoked or regular paprika for a slightly smoky flavor.
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, for garnish.
- Lemon juice: Optional, for a tangy finish.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Sauce
While the chicken itself is essential, the garlic butter sauce is what truly elevates this dish. Below are the ingredients required to make a rich and flavorful sauce:
- Butter: The key to a perfect garlic butter sauce is the butter—use high-quality unsalted butter.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic is the best option to get that aromatic punch.
- Chicken broth: A splash of chicken broth (¼ cup) adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
- Lemon juice: 1-2 tablespoons for a refreshing citrus kick.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they give a slight heat that pairs well with the rich butter.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley is added for freshness and color.
Substitutions and Variations
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are versatile, and you can easily swap out ingredients or tweak the recipe to fit your preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations you might consider:
- Chicken: If you prefer dark meat, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. You could also try turkey breast or pork tenderloin as substitutes.
- Butter: While butter gives the dish its signature richness, you can substitute it with ghee for a nutty flavor or use vegan butter if you're dairy-free.
- Garlic: For a milder garlic flavor, reduce the number of cloves or opt for roasted garlic. Garlic powder can also be used in a pinch.
- Herbs: Instead of parsley, you can garnish with cilantro, basil, or thyme for different flavor profiles.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as cayenne pepper, cumin, or oregano.
- Sauce: For a creamy variation, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is straightforward and can be done in under 30 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prep the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts (or thighs) into small, bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss the chicken in the sauce until everything is well coated.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and, if desired, a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve the chicken bites hot, with extra sauce drizzled over the top.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
To summarize the cooking process:
- Prepare your chicken and season it well.
- Sear the chicken until golden and set it aside.
- Create the garlic butter sauce by melting butter and sautéing garlic.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, then combine the chicken and sauce.
- Finish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking mistakes can happen to anyone, but with these tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites turn out perfect every time:
- Overcrowding the pan: If you put too many chicken pieces in the skillet at once, they will steam rather than brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if burned. Always cook garlic over medium heat and watch it closely.
- Undercooking or overcooking the chicken: Chicken should be fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), but avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites can be served in numerous ways. Whether you're going for a casual dinner or a fancier presentation, here are some tips:
- Over rice or pasta: Serve the chicken bites over a bed of fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta to soak up the extra sauce.
- With crusty bread: Pair the dish with a loaf of crusty bread for a perfect combination. The bread is ideal for mopping up that delicious garlic butter sauce.
- As an appetizer: If serving as an appetizer, use toothpicks or small skewers to make the chicken bites easier to handle.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Depending on your occasion, here are a few serving ideas:
- Main dish: Serve the chicken alongside roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Appetizer: For a party, skewer the chicken bites with cocktail sticks and serve with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy mayo.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Plate the chicken bites on a large serving platter: Drizzle extra sauce over the top and garnish with more parsley and a slice of lemon for a pop of color.
- Use small bowls or plates: If serving as an appetizer, individual portions in small bowls can elevate the look.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe Tips
To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites turn out restaurant-quality:
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking. Garlic burns quickly, so having everything ready will ensure you don’t miss a beat.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Always taste the sauce before serving to check if it needs more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Add vegetables. For extra nutrition, toss in veggies like broccoli or spinach into the skillet with the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it. Simply skip the searing step and heat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are best served fresh, but you can make them a day ahead and reheat. Just keep in mind that the sauce may thicken upon cooling, so you might need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.
3. Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them. After cooking, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure that any broth or other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that can be tailored to suit any palate. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or as an appetizer, these chicken bites are sure to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step guide, and get ready to enjoy this delicious garlic butter creation!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick, easy, and flavorful, made with tender chicken pieces sautéed in rich garlic butter. This recipe features bite-sized chicken seasoned to perfection with garlic, herbs, and a dash of spices, perfect for a simple yet satisfying meal. Enjoy these buttery, garlicky bites as a main dish, side, or appetizer for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove the chicken from the pan, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or white wine while cooking the chicken.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
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