Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s both comforting and impressive, you’ve got to try this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe. Imagine tender bites of chicken swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs – it’s deceptively simple yet wildly delicious. I’m excited to share not only the recipe but my insider tips to make sure your chicken bites come out golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Size: Cutting chicken into uniform 1 1/4-inch pieces ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness.
  • Coating With Flour and Herbs: It creates a light crust that locks in moisture and adds a subtle layer of flavor.
  • Garlic Butter Finish: Adding butter, garlic, and parsley at the end infuses the dish with rich, fresh, and aromatic notes.
  • Quick and Versatile: The whole meal comes together in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe shines because each ingredient plays a vital role: from the flour giving a crisp crust to the fresh garlic and parsley bringing brightness that balances the richness of butter. Let me walk you through what’s needed and why it’s worth using quality ingredients when you can.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken dinner, crispy chicken bites, flavorful chicken recipes - Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl with mixed Italian seasoning, whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a few cubes of unsalted butter stacked neatly, minced fresh garlic cloves arranged next to a small white bowl, a small bunch of finely chopped fresh parsley on a simple white plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts that are firm and pinkish, for juicy and tender bites that cook evenly.
  • All-purpose flour: A light coating of flour helps the chicken brown beautifully; no need to be heavy-handed here—just enough to form a crust.
  • Italian seasoning: This blend brings a familiar herbal note—if you prefer, fresh or dried oregano and thyme also work well.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Key to seasoning—don’t skimp, as this enhances all flavors in the dish.
  • Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps the chicken sear without sticking.
  • Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter gives you full control over seasoning and creates that indulgent garlic butter sauce we all love.
  • Fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a game-changer—it’s vibrant, pungent, and way better than powders here.
  • Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the richness and adds gorgeous color.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe my own by adding little accents depending on the mood and season. The beauty is how flexible it is—feel free to tweak it and make it perfect for you and your family.

  • Spicy Upgrade: Once, I tossed in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat that completely transformed the dish.
  • Herb Swap: When parsley wasn’t available, fresh basil or cilantro also gave it an exciting twist I enjoyed.
  • Lemon Boost: Sometimes, I finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice—this adds a bright zing that cuts through the butter beautifully.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter to make it dairy-free—it still tastes fantastic but a little lighter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

First, cut your boneless skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1 1/4-inch bites. You want them roughly the same size so they cook evenly—no one likes one piece overdone and another pink in the middle. Then, use paper towels to dab the chicken dry on all sides. This simple step is a game-changer because dry chicken crisps up beautifully in the pan, no soggy steam here!

Step 2: Coat Chicken with Flour and Seasonings

Sprinkle the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken pieces, then toss vigorously until all pieces are evenly coated. If you see loose flour left on the board, keep tossing until it sticks to the chicken—a well-coated piece equals that golden, crunchy edge we all crave.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. As the butter melts, tilt the pan to coat the surface evenly. Now, carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer with some space between them (crowding will cause steaming, and nobody wants that). Cook for about 3 minutes undisturbed to get a beautiful golden brown crust, then flip each piece and cook for another 2 minutes till almost cooked through.

Step 4: Add Garlic, Butter & Herbs for the Final Touch

Last but not least, drop in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in small pieces along with the minced garlic and freshly chopped parsley. Continue cooking for about a minute more, basting the chicken with that garlicky butter sauce. Keep an eye on it; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and of course, the pink should be gone. Then it’s ready to serve—your kitchen will smell amazing!

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

  • Dry Your Chicken First: Removing surface moisture helps achieve a golden crust instead of soggy or steamed chicken.
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your chicken space when cooking so it browns beautifully rather than steams, which affects texture and flavor.
  • Add Garlic Last: Adding garlic too early can burn it and cause bitterness—add it last with butter to mellow and infuse flavor.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the dish and cuts through richness better than dried herbs here, trust me on this!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken dinner, crispy chicken bites, flavorful chicken recipes - The image shows a white speckled plate with three main parts: on the left, there is a light yellow couscous pile with a fluffy texture; on the bottom left, there is a mix of sautéed colorful vegetables including red tomatoes, green zucchini, yellow squash, and purple onion pieces, all slightly glossy; on the right side, there are several golden brown herb-seasoned chicken pieces, with a slightly crispy outside and specks of green herbs on them. A silver fork rests on the left edge of the plate, and the plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partially visible on the right side; photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top just before serving—it adds a fresh herbal pop and makes the dish look pretty. If I’m feeling fancy, a little squeeze of lemon juice right at the end perks up all the flavors and gives a lovely tangy finish you’ll fall in love with.

Side Dishes

I adore serving this with lemon couscous for a bright, fluffy side that soaks up every bit of garlic butter. Sautéed or steamed vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli make an easy, healthy complement. Sometimes I toss a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the chicken bites on a beautiful platter, garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and even toasted pine nuts for texture contrast. Passing a bowl of crusty garlic bread lets everyone mop up that irresistible sauce. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftover garlic butter chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken keeps its tenderness surprisingly well, and the flavors actually meld nicely overnight.

Freezing

Occasionally, I freeze the cooked chicken bites when I make a bigger batch. To freeze, cool completely, then place in freezer-safe bags, separating layers with parchment paper. They freeze well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer a skillet for 3-4 minutes over medium heat to restore crisp edges and warm through evenly. Microwaving works but can make the coating a bit soggy, so a quick pan-fry is my go-to for best texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give a richer flavor and stay juicy longer. Just be sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can sometimes take a minute or two longer to cook through compared to breasts.

  2. How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the butter?

    Great question! Always add the garlic toward the end of cooking and toss quickly with the butter and chicken. Garlic burns fast and becomes bitter if exposed to high heat for too long, so adding it last, off direct heat if needed, will preserve its flavor.

  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    You sure can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a tasty gluten-free version. Just adjust cooking a bit as coatings may behave differently, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

  4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

    Definitely! This recipe holds up well when refrigerated and reheated, making it a perfect protein for meal prep bowls or quick lunches. Just be sure to store the garlic butter sauce separately or add fresh herbs just before eating for best freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is one of those easy dishes that feels like a special treat any day of the week. I love how fast it comes together and how few, humble ingredients turn into something so flavorful and comforting. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for weeknights, last-minute guests, or whenever you crave that crave-worthy combo of garlic and butter. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own!

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 9 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender pieces of chicken breast cooked to golden perfection in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley. This quick and easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, about 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper, to taste

Cooking

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh garlic (4 cloves)
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

  1. Preheat skillet: Preheat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
  2. Prepare chicken: Dab the chicken pieces dry on all sides with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
  3. Coat chicken: Sprinkle the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken pieces. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the flour mixture.
  4. Heat fat: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the hot skillet, letting the butter melt and coat the pan evenly by tilting it.
  5. Cook chicken first side: Place the chicken pieces in the skillet in a single layer with some space between pieces. Let cook without moving until the bottom side is golden brown, about 3 minutes.
  6. Flip chicken and continue cooking: Flip each piece and cook the opposite side for 2 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
  7. Add garlic and butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in small pieces along with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside.
  8. Serve: Serve the garlic butter chicken bites immediately while hot.

Notes

  • For a stronger herb flavor, double the parsley amount used.
  • Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness and flavor.
  • Serve with lemon couscous made by boiling chicken broth with lemon juice and water, then adding couscous and letting it stand 5 minutes before fluffing.
  • Pair with sautéed or steamed vegetables like squash, zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for a complete meal.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are dry before coating to achieve the best browning.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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