Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal ingredients and time. The chicken bites are pan-seared for a crispy edge, then coated in a garlicky, buttery sauce that’s both comforting and bold. They’re great on their own, over rice or pasta, or paired with veggies. Plus, it’s made in one skillet, so cleanup is easy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
salt
black pepper
paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
olive oil
unsalted butter
garlic (minced)
fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
optional: lemon juice or red pepper flakes for added brightness or heat
Directions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Once melted, stir in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
- Cook for 1–2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Butter: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Herb Butter Bites: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary with the garlic for extra depth.
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream to the butter sauce for a richer finish.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites: Add lemon zest and juice for a brighter, zesty flavor.
- Honey Garlic: Drizzle in a spoonful of honey to sweeten the sauce slightly.
- Low-Carb Meal: Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
- Asian Twist: Add a splash of soy sauce and ginger to the garlic butter.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or water to keep the chicken moist.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freeze cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful—just trim excess fat and cook the same way.
What’s the best way to get golden chicken bites?
Pat the chicken dry and avoid overcrowding the pan so it sears instead of steams.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch—start with ½ teaspoon.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially seasonings) are gluten-free.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. These bites reheat well and can be used in salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.
What sides go well with garlic butter chicken bites?
Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, pasta, or a crisp green salad are all great choices.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add it after the chicken is seared and reduce the heat before adding it to the butter.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just sear the chicken in batches and make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and oil to make the recipe dairy-free.
What oil is best for searing?
Olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil all work well due to their high smoke points.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick, versatile, and incredibly flavorful option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With their crispy golden edges and rich garlic-butter coating, they deliver restaurant-style flavor in just minutes. Whether served on their own or as part of a full meal, these chicken bites are sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, golden-seared chunks of chicken tossed in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick one-skillet recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a satisfying appetizer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Once melted, stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
- Cook for 1–2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon juice or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook chicken in batches if needed for even searing.
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
- Mix in herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth.
- Add cream to the butter for a richer, creamy version.
- Goes great over rice, pasta, or veggies for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
