15-minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe in a Flash

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that don’t compromise on flavor.

These 15-minute garlic butter chicken bites deliver a mouthwatering punch of savory goodness without endless kitchen prep.

Tender chicken pieces dance in a rich, golden butter sauce infused with fragrant garlic and herbs.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior that will make your taste buds sing.

The recipe comes together faster than ordering takeout, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making this dish a weeknight warrior’s secret weapon.

You’ll want to have this recipe on speed dial for those nights when hunger strikes and time is short.

Why Garlic Chicken Bites Are a Quick Win

Why Garlic Chicken Bites Are a Quick Win
  • Master a restaurant-quality chicken dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Prepare a delicious meal in just minutes, perfect for busy families needing fast, tasty solutions.
  • Create a versatile dish that appeals to both kids and adults, easily customizable with side dishes or salads.
  • Transform simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

What’s Inside Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in this quick and flavorful dish.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy exterior and helps the seasonings stick to the chicken.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Paprika: Herbs and spices that add depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken bites.
Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a healthy fat for cooking and helps prevent sticking.
  • Butter: Adds richness, helps with browning, and creates a luxurious sauce.
  • Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of green color to the dish.

Quick Method for Chicken Bites

Quick Method for Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and gently pat them dry using a paper towel.

This crucial step ensures perfect browning.

Slice the chicken into bite-sized cubes, aiming for consistent pieces to guarantee even cooking.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Combine chicken with flour and aromatic spices in a mixing bowl.

Ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Thoroughly coat each chicken piece, creating a flavorful and crispy exterior.

Step 3: Heat Skillet

Place skillet on medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt completely.

Carefully spread chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

Let chicken sizzle undisturbed for approximately 3 minutes.

Step 4: Flip and Continue Cooking

Turn chicken pieces to ensure golden-brown crispiness on all sides.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes, maintaining a perfect balance between crispy exterior and tender interior.

Step 5: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

Introduce remaining butter and freshly minced garlic to the skillet.

Gently stir to distribute garlic and create a rich, luxurious sauce.

Allow mixture to simmer for one minute until garlic releases its aromatic essence.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Remove skillet from heat.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over chicken, adding a vibrant touch and burst of freshness.

Serve immediately while piping hot and gloriously buttery.

Tips for Golden Garlic Chicken Bites

Tips for Golden Garlic Chicken Bites
  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for uniform cooking and easier cutting into bite-sized pieces.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Cut chicken into consistent 1-inch pieces to guarantee uniform cooking time and prevent some pieces from becoming dry or undercooked.
  • Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without burning the chicken or garlic.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or swap paprika for smoked paprika to add depth and complexity to the dish.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Bites Right

  • Seal cooled chicken bites in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.
  • Transfer completely cooled chicken bites to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Place chicken bites on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread chicken bites on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to retain moisture, and heat for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle with extra melted butter before serving to restore original juiciness.

What to Serve with Chicken Bites

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the rich, buttery chicken bites with its bright acidity and herbal undertones. The wine's zesty profile cuts through the richness while enhancing the garlic and herb notes.
  • Elevate with Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's richness. Fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery, garlicky chicken.
  • Hearty Carb Companion: Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. The starch will absorb the flavorful pan drippings, making each bite even more satisfying and indulgent.
  • Quick Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color. These green herbs will lift the dish's appearance and provide a subtle, fresh flavor that complements the garlic butter.

Flavor Swaps for Garlic Chicken Bites

  • Gluten-Free Garlic Chicken Bites: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same crispy coating and flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Herb Chicken Bites: Swap flour with ground pork rinds or finely grated parmesan cheese to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the chicken's delicious crispy exterior.
  • Dairy-Free Garlic Chicken Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and add nutritional yeast for a rich, buttery flavor without dairy, perfect for those with lactose sensitivities.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Bites: Incorporate cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and add a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning to give the chicken a bold, zesty Mediterranean-inspired kick.

FAQs

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should look white throughout with no pink areas when cut.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! They have more fat and can be even more flavorful. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly.

  • What if I don't have fresh herbs?

You can use dried herbs as a substitute. Use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, use 1 teaspoon dried parsley.

  • How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding oil and butter. Use a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet, and don’t move the chicken pieces until they’ve developed a golden crust.

Print
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15-minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

15-minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory 15-minute garlic butter chicken bites bring comfort and quick elegance to weeknight dinners. Golden chicken pieces sizzle with rich garlic butter, delivering restaurant-quality flavor that lets you enjoy gourmet cooking without spending hours in the kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 20 ounces (567 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly pat chicken breasts with a paper towel to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring optimal browning potential. Slice chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to guarantee consistent cooking.
  2. Combine chicken pieces with flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently toss until each morsel is completely and evenly coated with the seasoned flour mixture.
  3. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat, incorporating olive oil and a portion of butter. Allow butter to melt and oil to reach optimal temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
  4. Carefully arrange chicken pieces in a single layer across the skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for approximately 3 minutes, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop.
  5. Rotate chicken pieces and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring thorough internal cooking while maintaining a crisp exterior. Aim for a perfectly cooked, tender texture.
  6. Introduce remaining butter and finely minced garlic into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to distribute garlic evenly and create a rich, aromatic sauce. Cook for one final minute until garlic releases its fragrant essence.
  7. Remove skillet from heat and immediately incorporate fresh parsley, adding a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve piping hot to preserve the dish’s optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking, preventing some bites from being under or overcooked.
  • Pat chicken completely dry using paper towels to achieve maximum browning and crispy exterior without steaming the meat.
  • Use fresh herbs and high-quality butter for enhanced flavor depth and more aromatic results.
  • Prevent overcrowding in the skillet by cooking chicken in batches if necessary, maintaining proper heat and crispy texture.
  • replace flour with almond or coconut flour for gluten-free version, or use smoked paprika for intense flavor profile.
  • Let chicken rest for a minute after cooking to help retain moisture and ensure juicy, tender bites.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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