Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner solution: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites! This incredible recipe offers tender, succulent chicken pieces infused with rich garlic butter, all ready in just about 15 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish promises maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a staple for any home cook looking for a delicious and efficient meal.
There’s something truly magical about the combination of garlic and butter, especially when it coats perfectly cooked chicken. This recipe takes those beloved flavors and transforms them into bite-sized pieces that are not only incredibly satisfying but also remarkably quick to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are designed for success. They deliver a robust, savory taste that appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts, ensuring a happy dining experience for the entire family.
Why You’ll Love This Fast & Flavorful Chicken Recipe
We believe that delicious home-cooked meals shouldn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe embodies that philosophy, offering a truly fast and flavorful dinner experience. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved through quality ingredients and a straightforward cooking process. The chicken breasts are cut into uniform pieces, allowing them to cook quickly and evenly, locking in all their natural juices. Each bite is then enveloped in a luscious, aromatic garlic butter sauce that’s rich and irresistible. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser that minimizes stress and maximizes enjoyment, perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still crave something truly special and homemade.
Beyond its speed, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with a myriad of sides, from fluffy rice to quick steamable vegetables, making it easy to create a complete and balanced meal in under 20 minutes. The tender chicken, perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, forms the ideal base for the decadent garlic butter. The quick sear in a hot skillet creates a beautiful golden-brown crust, adding another layer of texture and taste. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a culinary hero for busy households, delivering comfort, convenience, and unparalleled flavor in one delightful package. You can even adapt this recipe using boneless pork tenderloin or chicken thighs if you prefer, showcasing its adaptability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
For the juiciest chicken, precision is key! Always cut your chicken breast into uniformly sized pieces. This ensures that every piece cooks at the same rate, preventing smaller pieces from overcooking and becoming dry while larger ones finish. Overcrowding the skillet can also lead to steaming rather than searing, so cook in batches if necessary. When reheating, avoid the microwave, which tends to dry out chicken. Instead, gently warm the chicken bites in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter or oil until just heated through.
These flavorful chicken bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide array of sides. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Rice: A classic choice! Serve with fluffy white rice, nutritious brown rice, or a rich rice pilaf. The rice acts as a perfect canvas to soak up every last drop of that delicious garlic butter sauce. For an extra garlic kick, consider making our Garlic Butter Rice.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, like our Stovetop Mashed Potatoes, add a comforting richness and soak up the sauce beautifully, making for a truly satisfying meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a healthy and easy option, roast some broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots. You can even use a bag of pre-cut, steamable vegetables for an ultra-simple side; just microwave and serve!
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken, balancing the meal perfectly.
- Bread: Don’t let any of that amazing garlic butter sauce go to waste! Serve with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or our amazing easy garlic bread for dipping.
Absolutely! Adding vegetables directly to the skillet transforms this into a convenient one-pan meal. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are excellent choices. Add heartier vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during the last few minutes of chicken cooking, or after the chicken is removed and before you add the garlic. Delicate greens like spinach can be stirred in during the final minute or two with the garlic butter sauce until wilted. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure vegetables are tender-crisp.
Yes, the air fryer is a fantastic alternative for achieving perfectly crispy and juicy chicken bites! We have a dedicated Air Fryer Chicken Bites recipe that you can easily adapt. To prepare, preheat a 5-quart basket air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes. While it preheats, season your chicken bites just as you would for the skillet version. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 7-11 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. Once cooked, you can toss them with the prepared garlic butter sauce in a separate bowl.
While technically possible, using a slow cooker for this recipe is generally not recommended, as it tends to overcomplicate a dish designed for speed and simplicity. Long cooking times in a slow cooker can often cause chicken breast to become stringy and fall apart, resulting in shredded chicken rather than distinct, tender bites. The quick searing method on the stovetop is ideal for locking in moisture and achieving that desirable golden-brown exterior, which would be lost in a slow cooker.
To maintain freshness and flavor, store any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain delicious for 3-4 days.
For the best results and to preserve the chicken’s juicy texture, reheat leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat with a small amount of butter or oil. This method gently warms the chicken and helps prevent it from drying out. We strongly advise against using a microwave, as it often leads to a rubbery texture.
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these chicken bites for future enjoyment! After cooking, allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the skillet method mentioned above.
Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Crafting these delectable chicken bites requires a few simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their quick cooking time and lean protein content. For best results, cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for a richer flavor and even juicier results, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Italian Seasoning: This herb blend typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, offering a well-rounded savory profile. If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can create your own blend by using ½ teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings enhance all the other flavors. Adjust quantities to your personal preference. Freshly ground black pepper always provides a more vibrant aroma and taste.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a delightful depth and a subtle smoky nuance that elevates the dish beyond ordinary. If smoked paprika isn’t available, regular sweet paprika can be used, though you’ll miss out on that unique smoky flavor.
- Onion Powder: A fantastic way to infuse a mild onion flavor without the moisture or texture of fresh onion. Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to seasoning; feel free to experiment with other blends you enjoy. A simple mix of just salt, pepper, onion powder, and a dash of paprika works beautifully, or you could try a creole seasoning or lemon pepper for a different twist.
- Butter (divided use): Butter is crucial for both cooking the chicken to a golden perfection and creating the rich garlic butter sauce. You can use either unsalted or salted butter. If opting for salted butter, remember to reduce the amount of added salt to the chicken seasoning, typically by about ½ teaspoon, to avoid over-salting.
- Olive Oil: Used in combination with butter to achieve a higher smoke point and prevent the butter from burning during the initial searing of the chicken. Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely Mediterranean note. Alternatively, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any other neutral cooking oil will work perfectly.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: The star of the sauce! For the most vibrant and pungent garlic flavor, fresh minced garlic is highly recommended. Six cloves provide an excellent garlic punch, but you can adjust based on the size of your cloves and your personal love for garlic. While pre-minced or jarred garlic can be used as a convenient time-saver, be aware that fresh garlic will always yield superior flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note, beautifully complementing the rich garlic butter. Finely chopped fresh parsley is best, but if you only have dried parsley on hand, a small sprinkle can still contribute.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is incredibly simple and satisfying. Follow these easy steps for a perfect meal every time:
Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken breast pieces with the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss vigorously until all the chicken pieces are thoroughly and evenly coated with the spice mixture. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches to allow for proper browning and even cooking. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely, then add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. The garlic should become incredibly fragrant and slightly softened, but not browned or crispy, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. This step infuses the butter with deep garlic flavor.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the fragrant garlic butter. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure every piece is beautifully coated in the luscious sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through again. Remove the skillet from the heat, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley (if using), and serve warm immediately. Enjoy these incredible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites as a stand-alone dish or with your favorite sides!
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’re as much a fan of quick, flavorful meals as we are, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes:
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
- Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes
- Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits
- Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Easy Chicken Teriyaki
- Easy Sesame Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Glazed Chicken Bites
- 30 Chicken Breast Recipes
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites (+Video)
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Rate This Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 large breasts)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika can be used)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons butter divided use (can use unsalted or salted)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (if your cloves are large, you can use less)
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, season 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces with 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 1 Tablespoon butter and 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter.
- When the butter melts, add 6 cloves garlic, minced and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat the pieces with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, chopped and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- For more detailed information on substitutions, storage, reheating, and other common questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and ingredient list sections above.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 2g
| Protein: 24g
| Fat: 11g
| Sodium: 565mg
| Fiber: 0.4g
| Sugar: 0.1g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!