Name: Butter Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp onion powder; 3 tbsp butter, melted; 4 tsp garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

I absolutely love making this Butter Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe whenever I want something quick, flavorful, and comforting. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration every time I cook it—crispy, golden bites of chicken drenched in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that’s way too good to resist. Whether I’m feeding my family on a busy weeknight or looking for a dish to impress friends, this recipe never fails to deliver that perfect balance of savory and buttery goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

What really makes this recipe stand out for me is the incredible flavor packed into each bite. The combination of tender chicken coated in a subtle mix of Italian seasoning and onion powder, then kissed with a silky blend of melted butter and fresh garlic, creates a taste that is both familiar and extravagantly rich. I find that the garlic aroma while cooking already fills the kitchen with such an inviting vibe, making it impossible to wait for the meal to be finished.

Aside from the amazing taste, I love how simple this dish is to make. The ingredient list is straightforward, and the cooking steps flow naturally without any complicated techniques. It comes together quickly too, which is perfect for those nights when I want to whip up something delicious but don’t have much time. Plus, this recipe is so versatile—it works perfectly as a family dinner, a party appetizer, or even as a component of a festive holiday spread. Whenever I make it, the Butter Garlic Chicken Bites quickly become the star of the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The white plate shows a meal with three parts arranged side by side: on the left, a small bunch of bright green grilled asparagus spears with a slight char, in the middle, a big scoop of creamy, light off-white mashed potatoes with a small swirl pattern on top and some green herbs sprinkled, and on the right, several pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken pieces with a slight crispy texture and some green herb bits on top; a silver fork holds one asparagus spear near the bottom, and some fresh green parsley is seen near the top right next to the plate, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients here are simple but essential, each contributing to the texture, flavor, and color that make this dish so memorable. The blend of spices with the flour gives the chicken a light, flavorful crust, while the butter and garlic sauce bring that irresistible richness you can’t get enough of.

2 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve a crispy sear on the chicken while adding a subtle fruity note.
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect tender protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Coats the chicken to create a light crust that locks in moisture and absorbs the buttery sauce beautifully.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
½ tsp pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the seasoning blend.
½ tsp Italian seasoning: Brings herbal depth that pairs perfectly with garlic and butter.
½ tsp onion powder: Gives a subtle savory sweetness to the coating.
3 tbsp butter (melted): The star of the sauce, offering richness, smoothness, and that signature buttery flavor.
4 tsp garlic (minced): Provides the punch of aromatic, savory goodness that defines this recipe.
1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped): Adds a burst of fresh, bright color and flavor to finish the dish beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: In a large 1-gallon freezer bag, combine the flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Close the bag tightly and shake well to evenly distribute the spices. Then add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bag and shake again, gently tossing the chicken so it’s evenly coated with the seasoned flour mixture. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and finely chopped fresh parsley until fully combined. This buttery garlic mixture will be poured over the chicken for that irresistible flavor boost.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the pan, making sure to leave space between each piece for even cooking. Cook the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is crisp and the chicken feels firm to the touch.

Step 4: Pour the prepared butter, garlic, and parsley mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Allow it to cook with the chicken for an additional minute, letting the sauce bubble and coat every delicious bite. This step is key to absorbing the rich buttery garlic flavor into the chicken fully.

Step 5: Serve immediately while hot. These chicken bites are fantastic paired with your favorite veggies or a side that can soak up all that buttery goodness. I usually like something fresh and vibrant alongside to balance the richness.

Servings and Timing

This Butter Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a small family meal or a gathering of friends. The prep time is roughly 5 minutes since the ingredients are straightforward and bite-sized. Cooking time is quick too—only 10 minutes—bringing the total time to about 15 minutes from start to finish. There’s no additional resting time needed, so you can enjoy this delicious dish fresh off the stove with minimal wait.

How to Serve This Butter Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a piece of cooked meat held by a fork, which is lightly browned with a slightly crispy texture and sprinkled with green herbs and black pepper. The meat piece is in the foreground with a bunch of similar browned meat pieces spread across a white plate below. Behind the meat, there is a soft, creamy layer of mashed potatoes with a light sprinkling of green herbs for garnish. On the left side of the plate, tender green asparagus spears add a fresh, vibrant layer. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I love pairing these chicken bites with lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. The freshness and slight crunch of the veggies complement the buttery softness of the chicken perfectly. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice work beautifully to soak up the buttery garlic sauce.

For presentation, I like sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley on top to brighten the plate and add a pop of vibrant green color. Serving the chicken bites on a beautiful platter or family-style bowl always makes the meal feel special and inviting. If you’re entertaining, you could also present them as finger foods with small dipping bowls of extra garlic butter sauce or a tangy aioli on the side.

In terms of drinks, this dish plays well with a chilled crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay, both of which cut through the richness nicely. For a non-alcoholic option, fresh lemonade or sparkling water with lemon works wonderfully to cleanse the palate. I recommend serving the chicken bites warm so the butter sauce stays luscious and silky, keeping every bite indulgent and comforting.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Butter Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch things up, you can substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier bites that are packed with flavor. For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free substitute—this still gives you a nice coating without compromising texture.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a touch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a little smoky heat that wakes up the dish in a whole new way. For a vegan twist, you could use firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken, sautéing them in olive oil and finishing with a vegan buttery garlic sauce using plant-based butter and nutritional yeast for extra flavor.

While I prefer pan-frying for the crisp crust and quick cook time, baking the chicken bites in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes is another easy option that reduces hands-on time. Just be sure to toss them in the butter garlic sauce immediately after for that rich coating.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend transferring the chicken bites to an airtight container as soon as they cool to room temperature. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 3 days. Using glass or BPA-free plastic containers ensures the chicken stays fresh without absorbing any unwanted fridge odors.

Freezing

This recipe freezes fairly well if you want to save it for later. Let the chicken bites cool completely, then lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the best method is to warm the chicken bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. This helps keep the buttery garlic sauce creamy without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them rubbery or soggy. For a bit of crispness, you can finish them in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5-7 minutes after stovetop warming. Adding a small pinch of fresh parsley after reheating really revitalizes the dish’s fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish because of their higher fat content. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breasts and follow the cooking instructions as written. You might find the thighs need a minute or two longer to cook through thoroughly.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. This swap keeps the coating crisp and flavorful without compromising the texture. Just make sure your Italian seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

For a vegan version, use firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken. You’ll also need to replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, like vegan buttery spread or coconut oil, and skip any non-vegan seasonings. The process remains the same, and you still get that rich garlic flavor.

What sides pair best with Butter Garlic Chicken Bites?

I love serving these chicken bites with lightly steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple side of rice to soak up all the buttery garlic sauce. A fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette also balances the meal nicely.

Can I prepare the chicken bites ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken by coating it in the seasoned flour mixture and storing it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. However, I recommend cooking them fresh for best texture and flavor. The butter garlic sauce is best made right before serving to keep it bright and silky.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Butter Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s one of those golden dishes that’s simple, fast, and delivers big on flavor every single time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself to a cozy meal, these chicken bites never disappoint. Give it a go—I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!