Golden, juicy, and coated in rich garlic butter, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are everything your taste buds crave. Perfectly seared on the outside while staying tender and moist inside, each bite explodes with garlicky goodness and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re after a quick dinner, an easy appetizer, or meal-prep protein for the week, this dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Pair them with fluffy rice, toss them in a fresh salad, or serve with crusty bread to soak up that buttery sauce — either way, you’re in for a lip-smacking meal. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these savory chicken bites are bound to become a go-to staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels — this helps them sear beautifully. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Sear Until Golden
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if needed. Sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Let them simmer together for another minute to absorb all the flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving – based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 33g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer.
2. Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but adding red pepper flakes can give it a mild kick. You can customize the heat to your preference.
3. What sides pair well with these chicken bites?
They go great with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or even stuffed in wraps or pitas.
4. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! These bites are perfect for meal prepping. Portion them into containers with your favorite grains and veggies.
5. What kind of skillet is best?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan is ideal for a nice sear without overcooking the chicken.
6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the butter with a plant-based butter or extra olive oil. The flavor will change slightly but still taste great.
7. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Lower the heat before adding garlic and stir continuously. Only sauté for about 30 seconds to keep it fragrant but not bitter.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to sear the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would steam rather than sear the meat.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Irresistibly Juicy and Packed with Flavor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
Description
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite go-to: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. This dish combines crispy seared chicken chunks with a buttery, garlicky glaze that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, easy recipes for busy weeknights, or protein-packed food ideas for meal prep, these juicy bites deliver flavor in every mouthful. Their golden crust and rich aroma make them perfect for sharing, though you might not want to!
Serve them over rice, pasta, or salad — or enjoy them solo as a healthy snack or appetizer. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dish. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, lower heat to medium and melt butter.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter.
- Let simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.