These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy chunks of chicken breast, seasoned with herbs and spices, then seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a delicious and versatile meal I love making on busy days.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how easy this dish is to put together without sacrificing flavor. The garlic butter gives the chicken a luxurious richness, while the herbs add a savory depth. It’s perfect when I need something quick that still feels like real comfort food. I can pair it with rice, pasta, or even toss it in a salad for something lighter.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- I start by patting the chicken dry with a paper towel and cutting it into 1-inch cubes.
- Then I toss the chicken in a bowl with flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- I heat a skillet over medium-high and add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, I sear the chicken in a single layer without moving it for about 3 minutes.
- I flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 2 minutes, letting them brown nicely.
- Then I add the remaining butter, garlic, and parsley. I stir it all together, cooking for another minute until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
- I serve it immediately while hot, often with rice, pasta, or a side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- I sometimes add a splash of lemon juice or zest for brightness.
- For heat, I sprinkle red pepper flakes while cooking.
- Grated Parmesan on top gives it a cheesy twist.
- Fresh thyme or cilantro makes a nice change from parsley.
- Boneless thighs also work great and give a slightly richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
I check that the chicken is golden outside and no longer pink in the center. A thermometer should read 165°F.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, I often cut and season the chicken earlier in the day. I just cook it fresh when ready to eat.
What can I serve with these chicken bites?
I like serving them with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple salad. They’re also great in wraps.
Can I substitute garlic powder?
If I don’t have fresh garlic, I use ½ teaspoon garlic powder mixed with the other seasonings.
How can I make this dairy-free?
I use plant-based butter or margarine as a substitute, making sure it’s good for sautéing.
Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The garlic butter sauce brings everything together, and the tender chicken always hits the spot. It’s a dish I find myself coming back to again and again.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Quick and Flavorful Delight
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces of chicken breast coated in flavorful herbs and spices, then seared and finished in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken without moving it for about 3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip the pieces and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring to coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve immediately while hot, either on its own or with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Add lemon juice for a bright finish.
- Use red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Top with Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Swap parsley with cilantro or thyme.
- Try chicken thighs for more juiciness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave in intervals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg