Who doesn’t love a quick and delicious chicken recipe that packs a punch of flavor? Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the ultimate weeknight hero—small, tender bites of chicken, sautéed to perfection, and smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re serving them over rice, pasta, or alongside a crisp salad, they always hit the spot.
This recipe came to life during a kitchen experiment gone right! I had some chicken breasts to use up and a craving for something garlicky. One skillet, a few pantry staples, and a little butter magic later, we had a dish the whole family couldn’t stop eating.
What I love most about these chicken bites is their versatility. They’re a crowd-pleaser, simple to prepare, and loaded with flavor. Plus, they cook up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy days.
A Quick Overview in Todd Wilbur’s Style
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy morsels coated in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. This dish combines the simple joy of golden-seared chicken with the comforting decadence of butter and aromatic garlic.
It’s an easy one-pan wonder that delivers a restaurant-quality meal without any fuss. Perfect for pairing with your favorite sides or eating straight from the skillet—because who can resist?
Why These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Are a Winner
Why You’ll Love Them
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
- Packed with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce is irresistible.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup and more deliciousness.
Key Ingredients
- Bite-sized chicken pieces seared to golden perfection.
- A rich, buttery garlic sauce enhanced with herbs and spices.
- Simple pantry staples that make magic happen.
Cuisine: American
Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if necessary to achieve a nice sear.
- Butter Alternative: Swap butter for ghee if you prefer a nutty flavor.
- Extra Sauce: Double the garlic butter mixture if you want more sauce to drizzle over rice or pasta.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a twist.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for extra aromatics.
- Spicy Version: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a kick.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use less butter or substitute with olive oil.
- Serve with steamed veggies or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style
And there you have it—a skillet full of tender, juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites that will have everyone reaching for seconds. They’re quick to make, loaded with flavor, and so versatile, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Let us know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to explore more of our easy, crowd-pleasing recipes.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and even juicier. - What sides go well with garlic butter chicken bites?
Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or over rice or pasta. - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Swap butter for a dairy-free alternative like margarine or olive oil. - Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet or microwave. - How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Enjoy your buttery, garlicky chicken bites! 🐔✨
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Tender, Juicy, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Who doesn’t love a quick and delicious chicken recipe that packs a punch of flavor? Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the ultimate weeknight hero—small, tender bites of chicken, sautéed to perfection, and smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking)
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (a flavorful blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for that irresistible garlicky taste)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (to add a touch of depth)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
- 3/4 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for subtle heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (to sear the chicken and lock in moisture)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small pieces to melt easily)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and fresh flavor)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the chicken breast pieces with Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until each piece is coated in the seasoning mix. This step is essential for locking in the flavors before cooking.
In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, reduce the heat to medium, then add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, so the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a beautiful golden-brown sear.
Allow the chicken to cook for 5-8 minutes, turning each piece every 2-3 minutes to ensure an even browning. The chicken should be a nice golden color but not fully cooked at this stage. This will allow the butter to melt over the chicken in the next step without overcooking it.
Lower the heat and add the small pieces of butter to the pan, stirring them in with the chicken. As the butter melts, it will blend with the seasonings to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Keep stirring to make sure each piece is coated with the garlic butter goodness.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top, adding a bright color and fresh flavor to the dish.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
