Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
In just 15 minutes, you can have a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are made with just a few simple ingredients, yet they deliver big on taste!
The crispy chicken, rich butter, and fragrant garlic sauce will have you coming back for more.
Trust me, it’s as easy as it is delicious. Get ready to make this your new go-to weeknight dinner!
For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces for juicy, tender bites.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps coat the chicken, adding a slight crust and ensuring the seasoning sticks.
- Italian Seasoning – Adds a flavorful herb mix to season the chicken.
- Salt & Pepper – For seasoning, to taste.
- Olive Oil – For frying, adds richness while ensuring a crisp texture.
- Unsalted Butter – Divided for cooking, adds richness and flavor to the chicken.
- Minced Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory depth.
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped finely for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This quick and easy 15-minute recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, requiring minimal preparation and just a few basic ingredients, but delivering a burst of flavor! A must-try for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1¼ lbs . boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1½ tbsp minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Sprinkle the chicken with flour, Italian seasoning, and your desired amount of salt and pepper (approximately 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper). Toss to coat evenly, ensuring the flour sticks to the chicken.
- Add 1 Tbsp of olive oil and 1 Tbsp of butter to the skillet. Once the butter melts, tilt the pan to evenly coat the surface.
- Add the chicken to the skillet in an even layer, making sure there's some space between each piece to allow for browning rather than steaming.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until it turns golden brown on the bottom. Flip the pieces over and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter, along with the garlic and parsley. Stir and cook for 1 more minute, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the center.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra herb flavor, you can double the parsley.
- For an added touch, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.
- For a quick side dish, try lemon couscous: Bring 1 can (14.5 oz) of chicken broth, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and 2 Tbsp water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of couscous (not pearl) and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- You can also serve this with sautéed or steamed vegetables like zucchini, squash, asparagus, or broccoli for a quick, balanced meal.
- How do I keep the chicken juicy and tender?
- For tender, juicy chicken, make sure to cut the pieces into uniform sizes. This ensures they cook evenly!
- Don’t overcook the chicken—once it hits 165°F (74°C), it’s time to take it off the heat.
- If reheating leftovers, use a skillet over low heat with a little butter to keep them nice and moist.
- Can I add veggies to the dish?
- Absolutely! Add in veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- If you’re using delicate greens like spinach, stir them in at the very end so they stay vibrant and fresh.
- What are the best sides to serve with these chicken bites?
- For a well-rounded meal, try pairing the chicken with:
- Rice – Any variety works, and it’s great for soaking up that garlic butter.
- Mashed Potatoes – Rich and creamy, perfect to balance the garlic butter.
- Roasted Vegetables – Think broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
- Bread – You can’t go wrong with a slice of garlic bread to scoop up all that delicious sauce!
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice—they’re juicy and flavorful.
- Just keep in mind that thighs might need a little more time to cook than breasts, so check the internal temperature to ensure they’re cooked through.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, use a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter or olive oil to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
