If you are craving a quick, flavorful bite that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines tender pieces of chicken with a luscious garlic butter sauce that bursts with fresh herbs and comforting richness. This dish is not only fast and easy to prepare but also packs a punch of layered flavors that will make any mealtime feel special. Whether for a weekday dinner or a casual gathering, these chicken bites bring texture, aroma, and that crave-worthy buttery garlic goodness that everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a crucial role, from the seasoning that ensures every bite is savory to the fresh parsley that adds a pop of color and brightness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and a tender texture.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating that browns beautifully and locks in moisture.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds depth and a subtle Mediterranean touch.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor.
- Olive oil: Provides a healthy fat base for cooking with a mild fruitiness.
- Unsalted butter: Divided use lets you build savory richness gradually for that perfect buttery finish.
- Minced fresh garlic: Adds an irresistible aromatic punch that is the hallmark of this recipe.
- Finely chopped fresh parsley: Offers freshness and vibrant green color to brighten the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken pieces dry to ensure they brown rather than steam. Toss them in a mix of flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper so each bite is coated with layers of flavor and achieves that perfect golden crust when cooked.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Warm your skillet with olive oil and a tablespoon of butter to create a flavorful cooking base. Add the chicken in a single layer and resist the urge to crowd the pan. Let each piece cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes per side until beautifully browned and cooked through, ensuring that juicy tenderness inside.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to elevate the dish with garlic butter magic. Stir in the remaining butter, fresh garlic, and chopped parsley. Cook this mixture for just about a minute while stirring constantly so the garlic gently softens and releases its aroma without burning. The sauce will thicken slightly, coating your chicken bites with luscious flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or even a pinch of red chili flakes for a subtle heat kick. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving energizes the flavors and adds a bit of brightness to the rich garlic butter sauce.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites pair wonderfully with simple sides that allow the star to shine. Serve with fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or steamed asparagus work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into an appetizing party snack by serving the chicken bites on skewers with a dipping sauce on the side. Alternatively, pile them over a bed of creamy polenta or toss with pasta for a quick, indulgent dinner. The versatility means you can impress in countless ways!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain much of their deliciousness when properly cooled.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken bites in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. Separate portions with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These can last for up to 2 months, making great quick meal options on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the crispy exterior and flavorful sauce. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much during storage. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, to keep the texture optimal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which makes them juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is it necessary to flour the chicken?
The flour helps create a golden crust and adds a slight thickness to the sauce. While you can skip it, you might lose a bit of that signature texture and the coating that soaks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly, but the dish will still be delicious and rich.
How fresh does the garlic need to be?
Fresh minced garlic is key here because it delivers the best aroma and flavor. Pre-minced garlic from a jar won’t give the same punch and can sometimes taste off, so fresh is always recommended.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Even just oregano and basil combined will give you a lovely herby undertone.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is one of those magical dishes that turns an ordinary night into a cozy celebration of flavor. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but special enough to share with friends and family when you want to impress without stress. I can’t recommend it enough—go ahead and dive into these buttery, garlicky bites for a heartwarming meal you’ll gladly make over and over!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender, golden-brown chicken pieces sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, these chicken bites combine Italian seasoning and a luscious buttery garlic sauce for a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ¼-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, sprinkle the chicken with flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken pieces evenly.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side, or until each piece is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: After the chicken is cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley. Cook while stirring constantly for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the sauce slightly thickens, coating the chicken evenly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the garlic butter chicken bites immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to allow proper browning of chicken.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
