If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich flavors and brings a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinner, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender bite-sized chicken pieces, perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce with a hit of Parmesan that simply melts in your mouth. The creamy herb sauce adds just the right amount of brightness and freshness, making this recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is what makes this recipe shine. Each item plays a key role, from creating a crispy coating to building an irresistible creamy sauce that elevates every bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds): Bite-sized for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup plus extra for garnish): Adds a savory, nutty richness that’s essential to this dish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the depth of garlic flavor throughout the chicken.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): A blend of herbs that gives the chicken a balanced and aromatic seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Fundamental for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve that crispy, golden texture on the chicken.
- Butter (2 tablespoons for chicken, 1 tablespoon for sauce): Contributes richness and a silky texture to both chicken and sauce.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves for chicken, 2 cloves for sauce): Provides a fresh and punchy garlic flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon chopped for chicken, 1 tablespoon for sauce): Adds a pop of color and herbal freshness.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Helps to build a savory base for the creamy herb sauce.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates the luscious creaminess that binds the sauce perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup in sauce): Enhances the sauce’s cheesy goodness.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the sauce with a hint of citrusy zing.
- Fresh herbs (1 tablespoon chopped, such as parsley, chives, or thyme): Gives the sauce an aromatic, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken bites in a mix of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the grated Parmesan cheese. This coating infuses every piece with flavor while setting the stage for a crispy crust when cooked. Don’t skip this step – it’s the secret to those irresistible savory bites!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer – this helps them brown evenly. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Once almost done, toss in minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds to avoid burning but get that aromatic garlic punch.
Step 3: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Parmesan
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the chicken right in the pan. This final touch boosts the flavor and adds a pretty color contrast, making your chicken bites look as good as they taste. Then set the chicken aside, giving you a clean slate in the skillet for your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Herb Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt a tablespoon of butter in the same skillet, incorporating all those delicious browned bits leftover from cooking the chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and let it reduce by simmering for 2 to 3 minutes – this step concentrates the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cream, Parmesan, and Flavor Enhancers
Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently until it slightly thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will become wonderfully silky, cheesy, and flavorful.
Step 6: Stir in Fresh Herbs and Season to Taste
Fold in your choice of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme. Then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This is where the herbaceous notes really shine and bring the sauce to life.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring each morsel is coated with that luscious creamy herb sauce. Warm it through briefly, then it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley immediately elevates the dish visually and adds another layer of flavor. A light drizzle of lemon zest can also brighten the overall taste and presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with simple sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or fluffy rice. For a lighter meal, serve over a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner party or even a fun family meal, try serving these chicken bites over creamy polenta or buttery egg noodles. You could also stuff them inside warm pita pockets or wrap them in lettuce cups for a casual, handheld delight. The creamy herb sauce makes it a spectacular sauce to drizzle over almost anything!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover garlic butter Parmesan chicken bites with creamy herb sauce into an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days without losing their delicious flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken bites and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to avoid overheating or separating the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through depending on their size.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the Parmesan and cream?
Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast and use coconut cream or a cashew-based cream to keep it dairy-free, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make the creamy herb sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently and whisk before combining with freshly cooked chicken bites for best results.
What herbs work best in the creamy herb sauce?
Parsley, chives, and thyme each bring something unique: parsley adds freshness, chives contribute mild onion notes, and thyme delivers subtle earthiness. Feel free to mix or match based on your preference.
Can I bake the chicken bites instead of pan-frying?
Yes, baking is an option if you prefer less oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Then toss with the sauce as directed.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe enough. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a rich, comforting meal that feels special but comes together with ease. Whether you’re treating yourself after a busy day or impressing loved ones, these chicken bites deliver flavor, creaminess, and just the right amount of indulgence every single time. Dive in and make this marvelous dish your new go-to!
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Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites recipe features tender, bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce and topped with a creamy herb Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick, flavorful main course that pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
For the Creamy Herb Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Parsley: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in fresh parsley and sprinkle additional Parmesan if desired, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Then add chopped fresh herbs and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the creamy herb Parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Serve the chicken bites warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or steamed green beans.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking and browning of chicken bites.
