If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to make, these garlic butter chicken bites are about to become your new favorite go-to recipe. Juicy, tender, and bursting with rich, buttery garlic flavor, this dish will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Keep reading to discover just how simple—and satisfying—this recipe really is.
| Servings: | 4 |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 plate |
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of half a lemon
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks, about 1 inch pieces. Be sure to pat them dry with paper towels. This helps get that beautiful golden crust without steaming the chicken.
- Season generously: Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. I like to do this in a bowl so I can toss everything together for full coverage. Paprika adds a nice warmth and extra depth here.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, arrange the chicken in a single layer. Let them sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. That untouched time gives them that gorgeous color and locks in juiciness. If your pan isn’t big enough, work in two batches to avoid crowding.
- Make room for the good stuff: Push the cooked chicken to the edges of your skillet and reduce heat to medium.
- Let the butter and garlic work their magic: Add the butter right to the middle of the pan. As it melts, stir in the garlic. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much or it will turn bitter. About one minute is perfect. The aroma at this point is unreal.
- Toss and finish: Stir the chicken into the garlic butter, coating every piece with that rich, golden goodness. Squeeze the lemon juice right over the top for a little bit of brightness and balance. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a fresh pop of flavor.
- Serve warm: Plate it up and serve while still hot. Trust me, these never last long.
Nutrition per Serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Description
Garlic butter chicken bites are little golden nuggets of joy that bring the comfort of home-cooked food straight to your taste buds. These bite-sized pieces of tender chicken breast are seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that glistens like liquid gold. The sizzle in the pan releases a warm garlicky aroma that fills your kitchen and promises big flavor in every mouthful. Each piece is juicy on the inside with a lightly crisped edge that soaks up every drop of that silky sauce.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a standout party appetizer, these chicken bites hit the sweet spot between satisfying and simple. The combination of browned butter and garlic delivers a bold but balanced flavor that is savory, buttery, and just a little indulgent. Serve them over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal or let them shine on their own with a side of crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce. Either way, you’ll find yourself making these again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights when you want something fast but flavorful. With just a handful of pantry staples and under 30 minutes from start to finish, garlic butter chicken bites make an irresistible main dish or crowd-pleasing appetizer. The ingredients are simple but deliver big flavor without needing hours of marinating or fancy equipment.
It is also incredibly flexible. You can serve the chicken bites on top of mashed potatoes or pasta for a richer meal or toss them into a salad or lettuce wrap for something lighter. It is naturally gluten-free and can be made keto-friendly, making it perfect for a wide variety of diets. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners but satisfying enough for seasoned home cooks.
Serving and Storage Tips
Garlic butter chicken bites are best enjoyed fresh from the pan when their edges are still slightly crisp and the buttery sauce is warm and velvety. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to bring the sauce back to life.
You can freeze cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave. For meal prep, you can dice the chicken and chop the garlic ahead of time. Even measuring out the butter and storing it in the fridge will save a few extra minutes come dinner time.
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking so it sears properly and does not release too much moisture in the pan.
Do I have to use lemon juice?
Lemon juice is optional but highly recommended. It adds a bright contrast to the rich garlic butter. You can use a splash of white wine or a bit of balsamic vinegar if you prefer something different.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when you add the garlic to infuse the butter with a bit of heat.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in size. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Sear the chicken without moving it for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium and push the chicken to the sides of the pan.
- Add the butter to the center of the pan. As it melts, stir in the minced garlic. Cook the garlic in the butter for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss the chicken in the melted garlic butter and stir to coat all the pieces. Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Remove from heat and serve warm.
