Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe: Dinner Magic Awaits

Juicy garlic butter chicken bites promise a mouthwatering adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Every kitchen needs a quick and delicious meal that comes together in minutes.

Crispy edges and tender centers create a delightful texture you’ll absolutely love.

Succulent chicken pieces bathed in rich, aromatic butter capture the essence of comfort food.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – these chicken bites will become your new go-to meal that impresses everyone at the table.

One bite and you’ll be hooked on this irresistible culinary magic.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Are Perfect For Quick, Tasty Meals

  • Savor Quick Weeknight Meal: This recipe delivers a delicious dinner in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy families craving something tasty and fast.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: With only a handful of simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, butter, and seasonings, anyone can whip up a restaurant-quality dish without complicated shopping.
  • Versatile Serving Options: These chicken bites work wonderfully as a main course over rice, tossed in pasta, tucked into wraps, or served as a protein-packed appetizer for game day or casual gatherings.
  • Foolproof Cooking Technique: The step-by-step method ensures golden, juicy chicken every time, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all skill levels who want consistent, delectable results.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites List

Protein Base:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley: Provides robust aromatic depth and bright herbaceous notes to the chicken, fresh garlic and parsley offer maximum flavor intensity.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Rich cooking mediums that help brown the chicken and create a delicious golden exterior, butter adds richness while olive oil prevents burning.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential spices that balance and elevate the chicken's flavor, with red pepper flakes offering optional heat and complexity.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Preparation

Step 1: Prep the Poultry

Slice the chicken into uniform, bite-sized chunks.

Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece gets an even coating of seasoning.

Step 2: Fire Up the Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium heat.

Add a combination of olive oil and butter, allowing them to meld and create a flavorful cooking base.

The mixture should shimmer and become slightly foamy.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Pieces

Carefully place the seasoned chicken chunks into the hot skillet.

Let them sizzle and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each piece cooks evenly and gets a perfect crispy exterior.

Step 4: Infuse with Garlic Magic

Toss in the finely chopped garlic, spreading it evenly across the chicken.

Stir and cook for about 60 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic flavors and become lightly toasted.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Transfer the golden chicken bites to a serving plate and enjoy immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Searing And Saucing Tips For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Cut chicken into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Maintain medium heat to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning the chicken or garlic.
  • Remove excess moisture from chicken pieces before seasoning to help create a crispy, caramelized exterior.
  • Cook chicken in batches if necessary to prevent steaming and ensure each piece gets properly browned.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, ranging from mild to spicy kick.

Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Properly

  • Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
  • Warm chicken bites at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Quickly reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery texture.
  • Add a small pat of butter when reheating to restore the original garlic butter flavor and keep the chicken tender.

Great Sides for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the garlic butter's richness and cut through the chicken's richness.
  • Create Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic roasted asparagus or herb-seasoned zucchini to enhance the chicken's flavor profile and add nutritional balance.
  • Match Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread or a rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  • Select Tangy Salad Base: Craft a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic counterpoint to the rich, savory chicken bites.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Flavor Options

  • Low-Carb Version: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets for a vegetable-based alternative that keeps the dish light and keto-friendly.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or olive oil and use nutritional yeast for a similar rich flavor profile without dairy.
  • Spicy Herb Variation: Add chopped fresh rosemary and increase red pepper flakes for an intensified, zesty chicken bite experience.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use almond flour or cornstarch for additional coating if desired, maintaining the recipe's crispy texture.

FAQs

  • What makes these chicken bites so flavorful?

The combination of butter and olive oil creates a rich base, while the minced garlic adds intense flavor that coats each chicken piece perfectly.

  • Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, thighs, or tenders. Just ensure they’re cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or cut into a piece to ensure there’s no pink in the center.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These chicken bites can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and quickly reheated, making them great for quick lunches or dinner.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Garlic Butter Chicken Bites elevate weeknight dinners with rich, garlicky flavors that dance across your palate. Quick pan-searing locks in juicy tenderness, while herbed butter creates an irresistible coating you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Aromatics and Herbs:

  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Seasonings and Cooking Fats:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Transform chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized morsels, ensuring each piece is seasoned generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Melt a combination of olive oil and butter in a large cast-iron skillet, creating a rich, flavorful cooking surface over medium-high heat.
  3. Carefully arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing each morsel to develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding the pan.
  4. Gently turn chicken cubes, cooking until all sides achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior and the meat is cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes total.
  5. Introduce finely minced garlic to the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent burning and infuse the chicken with aromatic flavor.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the golden chicken bites, adding optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
  7. Transfer to a serving platter immediately, allowing the garlic butter to coat each piece, and serve piping hot as an irresistible appetizer or main course.

Notes

  • Transform any chicken cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and professional presentation.
  • Use high-quality unsalted butter and fresh garlic for maximum flavor depth and richness.
  • Consider adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aromatic complexity and depth.
  • Quick-cooking method works perfectly for meal prep, allowing versatile serving options like over rice, salad, or as appetizers.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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