Garlic Butter Chicken Bites – 15-Minute Flavor Bomb!
Busy weeknights call for fast, effortless, and insanely delicious meals, and these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites deliver exactly that.
Juicy, golden chicken pieces tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce—ready in just 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients!
This is the kind of recipe you’ll make once and crave forever—crispy edges, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and a garlicky, herby punch that tastes like you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did.
Perfect with rice, pasta, or veggies, this is your new weeknight go-to!
Bonus: It’s so good, you’ll want to double the recipe. Trust me.
For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to cook evenly and ensures tender, juicy bites.
- All-Purpose Flour – Lightly coats the chicken for a subtle crust that helps hold onto all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Italian Seasoning – A simple blend of herbs that adds a boost of flavor without extra effort.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Season to taste! I use about ¾ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper for a perfect balance.
- Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken to a golden brown while keeping it juicy inside.
- Butter – The key to that rich, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth flavor! We use some for cooking and more at the end to create the sauce.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is a must—it infuses the butter and chicken with bold, aromatic goodness.
- Parsley – Brings a fresh, herby finish that complements the richness of the dish.
For Extra Flavor (Optional Additions!)
- Lemon Juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end enhances the flavors and adds brightness.
- Red Pepper Flakes – For a little kick of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
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
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle with flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter, swirling the pan to coat.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer, leaving space between pieces for even browning.
- Cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add Garlic Butter Flavor:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter in small pieces, followed by the minced 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:
- Enjoy as-is or pair with your favorite sides!
Notes
- For extra herby flavor, double the parsley.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.
- Serve with a quick lemon couscous:
- Bring 1 (14.5 oz) can of chicken broth, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and 2 Tbsp water to a boil.
- Stir in 1 cup regular (not pearl) couscous, remove from heat, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
- Pairs well with sautéed or steamed veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli.
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cook time slightly since thighs take a little longer to reach 165°F (74°C).
2. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Make sure to cut the chicken into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Also, don’t overcook—pull them off the heat as soon as they hit 165°F!
3. What should I serve with this?
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites go with just about anything! Try them with:
- Fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the buttery sauce
- Mashed potatoes for a creamy pairing
- Roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini
- A fresh side salad for a lighter meal
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch to keep the crispy coating while making it 100% gluten-free.
5. Can I add veggies directly to the pan?
Yes! Toss in chopped bell peppers, asparagus, or spinach toward the end of cooking. It’s an easy way to make this a one-pan meal!
Pro Tip: Want extra flavor? Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken right before serving—it takes this dish to the next level!
