Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe for Tasty Dinners

Crafting delectable garlic butter chicken bites can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary celebration.

Tender morsels of chicken dance with rich, aromatic flavors that promise instant satisfaction.

butter melts luxuriously around each golden-brown piece, creating a mouthwatering experience that beckons everyone to the table.

Succulent and perfectly seasoned, these chicken bites deliver comfort in every single bite.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor, making this recipe a quick and impressive dinner solution.

Crispy edges and a velvety interior guarantee a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Serve these irresistible bites and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Ready in Just 15 Minutes

  • Speed Up Dinner: Conquer mealtime in just 15 minutes with this lightning-fast chicken recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into a delicious feast.
  • Minimal Cleanup Magic: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single skillet, reducing washing time and kitchen mess while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Simplify cooking with a straightforward method that requires basic seasonings and just a few steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking hassle-free meals.
  • Flavor Explosion: Infuse chicken with rich garlic butter and aromatic herbs, creating a restaurant-quality dish that tastes complex but comes together incredibly easily at home.

Simple Ingredients That Make Garlic Chicken Bites Shine

Proteins:
  • Chicken Bites: Tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for best results.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural flavor. Freshly ground black pepper provides the best taste.
  • Thyme, Oregano: Classic herbs that add depth and Mediterranean-inspired flavor to the chicken.
Cooking Fats and Aromatics:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden brown exterior. Extra virgin olive oil works best for maximum flavor.
  • Butter, Garlic: Creates a rich, aromatic sauce that coats the chicken. Fresh garlic provides the most intense flavor, while unsalted butter allows better control of saltiness.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and a mild peppery note to the finished dish. Chopped just before serving for maximum freshness.

Chicken Bites Garlic Butter One-Pan Method

Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, ensuring the pan is evenly coated.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle chicken pieces with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried thyme
  • Dried oregano

Coat the chicken thoroughly by gently tossing or massaging the spices into the meat.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Place seasoned chicken pieces into the hot skillet.

Allow them to sear and develop a golden-brown exterior.

Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a beautiful caramelized color.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Magic

Move the chicken to one side of the skillet.

Add butter and minced garlic to the empty space.

Sauté the garlic quickly, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

The garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Gently mix the garlic butter with the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated with the rich, aromatic sauce.

Let the chicken simmer in the butter for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately while hot and deliciously golden.

Quick Dinner Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Keep heat at medium and stir constantly to avoid bitter, burnt garlic flavor that can ruin the entire dish.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and faster preparation.
  • Let chicken rest in seasoning for 10-15 minutes before cooking to help spices penetrate deeper into the meat.
  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better browning during cooking.
  • Substitute chicken with tofu or firm tempeh for vegetarian version while maintaining similar cooking technique and garlic butter sauce.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Storage

  • Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness and restore moisture.
  • Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and maintain tender texture.
  • Check internal temperature reaches 165°F and remove immediately to prevent rubbery or tough chicken pieces.

Sauces and Sides for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Crisp White Wine Match: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or light chardonnay that complements the garlic butter's richness and cuts through the chicken's herbal notes.
  • Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Prepare quick roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with similar herbs like thyme to create a harmonious flavor profile that echoes the chicken's seasoning.
  • Creamy Starch Supporter: Serve fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, adding a smooth texture contrast to the crispy chicken bites.
  • Fresh Green Salad Accent: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing, peppery counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the buttery chicken.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Quick Spins

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace olive oil with avocado oil and use chicken thighs for higher fat content. Omit any potential flour coating and focus on pure protein and healthy fats.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme and oregano to enhance flavor without potential cross-contamination.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil or ghee. Add extra herbs like rosemary or sage to compensate for the buttery flavor profile.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a splash of lemon juice. Replace regular salt with za'atar seasoning for a more complex Middle Eastern flavor experience.

FAQs

  • What makes this chicken recipe so quick to prepare?

The recipe uses pre-cut chicken pieces and a simple seasoning blend, which reduces prep time. The one-pan cooking method also minimizes cleanup and speeds up the entire cooking process.

  • Can I use different herbs if I don't have thyme or oregano?

Absolutely! You can substitute with dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or Italian seasoning blend. The key is to use herbs that complement chicken’s flavor profile.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cut into a piece to ensure no pink remains in the center.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these chicken bites can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated quickly in a skillet or microwave, making them perfect for quick weekday lunches or dinners.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter chicken bites elevate weeknight meals with sensational flavor in just 15 minutes. Succulent chicken pieces sizzle in golden butter, promising a delicious feast that satisfies hunger and delights senses.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a little heat

Cooking Fats and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high flame, allowing the olive oil to shimmer and spread across the cooking surface.
  2. Carefully coat chicken pieces with a harmonious blend of salt, ground black pepper, aromatic thyme, and robust oregano, ensuring each morsel is generously seasoned.
  3. Gently transfer the seasoned chicken into the sizzling skillet, creating a single layer that allows even caramelization and browning.
  4. Allow the chicken to dance in the pan, turning occasionally to develop a rich golden exterior and ensure complete internal cooking, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  5. Create a small clearing in the skillet and introduce cold butter and finely chopped garlic, positioning them away from the chicken to prevent burning.
  6. Swiftly sauté the garlic until it releases its fragrant oils and transforms into a pale golden hue, releasing a tantalizing aroma throughout the kitchen.
  7. Merge the golden garlic butter with the perfectly cooked chicken, gently tossing to create a luxurious, glossy coating that envelops each tender piece.
  8. Allow the flavors to harmonize for an additional minute, intensifying the garlic butter’s essence.
  9. Scatter freshly chopped parsley across the glistening chicken bites, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finishing touch before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Perfectly sear chicken by patting meat dry before cooking, ensuring crispy golden-brown exterior without steaming.
  • Customize herb blend with fresh or dried variations like rosemary, basil, or Italian seasoning mix for different flavor profiles.
  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs depending on preference; thighs offer more moisture and richer taste.
  • Reduce cooking time for smaller, uniform chicken pieces to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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