If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and offers a perfect balance of juicy chicken and rich, garlicky goodness, look no further than this incredible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken are seared to golden perfection and then bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s brightened with a splash of lemon and finished with fresh parsley. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests without fuss. Once you try this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one contributes something essential—seasonings provide warmth and depth, butter adds richness, and lemon juice gives a refreshing zing that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect bite-sized portions.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the overall garlic flavor without overpowering the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to a crispy, golden crust.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: The heart of the sauce, creating that silky, rich texture beloved in garlic butter dishes.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers an irresistible aroma and robust flavor.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce, keeping it light yet flavorful.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: A splash of brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the butter and garlic.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbal garnish that adds color and a subtle bite to the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Season the chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken bite-sized pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This simple blend forms the flavorful base and ensures that every bite is bursting with taste right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan—this helps them develop that irresistible golden-brown crust. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and beautifully seared. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest for a moment.
Step 3: Create the garlic butter sauce
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, careful not to let it brown. This step unlocks the deep, aromatic garlic flavor that’s the hallmark of the dish.
Step 4: Deglaze and add acidity
Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice, stirring well to combine and scrape up any golden bits stuck to the pan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—the acidity of the lemon juice brightens the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter and complementing the chicken perfectively.
Step 5: Combine chicken and sauce
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the luscious garlic butter sauce. Let them heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of green color and a fresh herbal aroma. Your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh parsley is classic, adding a bright, fresh touch that contrasts with the buttery richness. For a little extra zing, you can also add a few lemon wedges on the side—which lets your guests customize each bite with a squeeze of fresh citrus.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is packed with flavor, it pairs beautifully with simple, complementary sides like steamed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light salad. Rice or buttery noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, making sure none of those wonderful juices go to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these chicken bites over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside crusty artisan bread to mop up every bit of that garlic butter sauce. For a fun twist at parties, serve the chicken bites with toothpicks as fancy appetizers—easy to grab and so delicious everyone will want seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a convenient and tasty option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure they cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the sauce’s creaminess, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a small pat of butter during reheating helps keep the sauce silky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more tender and flavorful. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking method, adjusting the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this dish spicy?
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe has a mild warmth from paprika and black pepper but isn’t spicy. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick it up a notch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, and ensure your chicken broth is dairy-free. The dish will still be rich and flavorful.
What is the best way to cut chicken for this recipe?
Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces—about 1 to 1.5 inches. This ensures even cooking and makes the bites easy to eat in one or two mouthfuls.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes tossed in at the end would complement the dish nicely. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay fresh and tender-crisp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and addictive about this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any kitchen. The combination of crisp, juicy chicken with that luscious, garlicky, buttery sauce hit all the right flavor notes without any complicated steps. I encourage you to try it out soon—whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual meal with friends, this dish will bring plenty of smiles to your table and might just become your new go-to recipe!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect for a fast and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to evenly coat each piece with the seasoning.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, allowing them to turn golden brown and cook through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with garlic flavor.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and coated evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken bites for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier bites if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of red chili flakes with the seasoning.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
