If there’s one dish I can always count on for a quick dinner win, it’s garlic butter chicken bites. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked! These bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken are pan-seared to golden perfection, then tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that makes every bite heavenly.

Plus, it’s so simple and quick—even on busy nights, I can whip this up and feel like a kitchen superstar. Let’s get cooking!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe — Source: oliveandmango

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish, along with a few tips to make it perfect.

1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces): Use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor; avoid frozen if possible.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating for the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden crust.
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for a burst of flavor.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Season to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For pan-searing the chicken; stick to refined olive oil for a higher smoke point.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): The buttery goodness makes the sauce creamy and rich.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is essential for the bold, aromatic kick.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a pop of color as a garnish.

Note: Serves 3-4 people depending on portion size.

Variations

Switch things up by trying these ideas to suit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences.

Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or almond flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Extra Zing: Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a fresh, tangy flavor.
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Low-Fat Alternative: Use cooking spray instead of olive oil and reduce the butter by half.

You can also enjoy similar recipes like the Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos Recipe for more quick and delicious meal ideas.

Cooking Time

This recipe is perfect for busy nights or last-minute meals as it doesn’t take long to prepare.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Each tool has a key role in making this dish come together quickly and easily.

Cutting board: For chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures even pieces of chicken for consistent cooking.
Mixing bowl: For tossing the chicken with seasoning.
12-inch skillet: A large non-stick or cast-iron skillet is best for searing the chicken evenly.
Tongs: Makes flipping the chicken easy without breaking it apart.
Garlic press (optional): For mincing fresh garlic quickly and evenly.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

Making these delicious chicken bites is straightforward and fuss-free. Follow the steps below for best results!

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch each. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture; this helps achieve a nice golden sear.

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken

Add chicken pieces to a mixing bowl and sprinkle them with flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. This light coating will help form a flavorful crust during cooking.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the pan. Swirl to coat the surface evenly.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Place the chicken in a single layer in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure good airflow and browning. Sear for about 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes on the other side. The chicken should be nearly cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat each piece with the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful garlic butter chicken bites!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve made these chicken bites more times than I can count, and here are a few tricks that have worked wonders for me:

Drying the chicken before searing ensures a crisp exterior.
Don’t rush the browning process; leave the chicken undisturbed for a golden caramelized crust.
Use fresh garlic instead of jarred for a bolder flavor.
If you’re doubling the recipe, cook the chicken in batches to maintain even browning.

For more inspiration, check out these Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe ideas to spice up your weekly menu.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

These chicken bites are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for various occasions.

Pair with fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting main dish.
Serve atop fresh pasta drizzled with the garlic butter sauce for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for a balanced meal.
Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for an easy appetizer at gatherings.

Nutritional Information

These chicken bites are not only tasty but also pack a nutritional punch.

Calories: 394
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 21g

Make Ahead and Storage

Garlic butter chicken bites taste best fresh, but here’s how you can prepare them in advance or save leftovers.

Storing: Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or stock to keep it moist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to add this recipe to your rotation!

Quick to make: From start to finish, it only takes 25 minutes.
Versatile: Works for weeknight dinners or party platters.
Diet-friendly: Easy to adapt for gluten-free, low-fat, or low-carb diets.
Bursting with flavor: The garlic butter sauce is irresistibly rich and delicious.
Comfort food: It’s hearty, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

To ensure your chicken bites turn out perfectly every time, steer clear of these common missteps.

Overcrowding the pan: This causes the chicken to steam rather than sear, resulting in a soggy texture.
Overcooking the garlic: Burnt garlic has a bitter taste; keep an eye on it and cook gently.
Using cold chicken: Take the chicken out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Skipping the seasoning: Seasoning the chicken thoroughly is key to a flavorful dish.

Garlic butter chicken bites are a simple, tasty way to elevate your chicken game. Their golden, garlicky goodness is bound to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you serve them as a meal or snack. Give them a try tonight and see for yourself!

If you’re a fan of chicken recipes, you can explore more options in our Chicken Recipes collection for endless meal ideas.

Ash Tyrrell