How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Simple & Delicious Recipe
Wanna make something yummy with just a few things? These garlic butter chicken bites are crazy good. I make them when I’m super hungry and don’t wanna wait.
They’re buttery, garlicky, and cook super fast. Like, you blink and they’re done. And the smell? Oh wow, it fills the whole house.
I love this recipe because it’s easy. No big steps, no fancy stuff. Just toss, sizzle, and eat.
Let me show you how I make it. You’ll be hooked too. Let’s start cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and Juicy: Each bite is golden outside and moist inside, thanks to a quick sear and buttery finish.
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: No long marinades, no complicated steps—just simple, fast cooking.
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: Garlic, butter, and herbs make a savory combo that even picky eaters enjoy.
- Versatile Pairing: Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with things you probably already have in your kitchen.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings:
Serves 4 as a main course. Double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers.
Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any fancy techniques.
Required Kitchen Tools
To make these buttery chicken bites, you’ll need:
- Large skillet (nonstick or stainless steel)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Paper towels (for blotting chicken dry)
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish. All measurements are included in the recipe card at the end:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Salt & Black Pepper: For basic seasoning.
- All-Purpose Flour: Lightly coats the chicken to create a crispy edge.
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken evenly.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor; don’t skip it.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with savory depth.
- Paprika (Optional): Adds a hint of warmth and color.
- Dried Oregano: For that classic herb note.
- Chicken Broth: Helps create a light pan sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A small splash for balance and brightness.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish and color.
Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness: Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay tender even if slightly overcooked.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of chili flakes gives the dish gentle heat without overpowering the garlic butter.
- Try Italian Seasoning: Swap oregano for a blend of basil, thyme, and rosemary for a more Italian-inspired version.
- Add Veggies: Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in the same pan after removing the chicken for a full one-pan meal.
- Creamy Sauce Option: Add a splash of heavy cream to the pan after the garlic butter step for a richer finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown better. Then, cut it into bite-sized cubes—aim for even sizes so everything cooks at the same rate. Season with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of flour.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter. Once it starts to melt, stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano (and paprika if using). Cook gently for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic—it should stay soft and golden.
4. Deglaze and Finish
Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the pan. Let it simmer for about a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Over Rice: Spoon the buttery chicken bites and sauce over plain white or brown rice.
- With Pasta: Serve with buttered noodles or toss into cooked pasta for a quick dinner.
- With Mashed Potatoes: The garlicky sauce pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes.
- In a Wrap: Stuff chicken bites into a warm tortilla with lettuce and cucumbers.
- On a Salad: Let the chicken cool slightly, then place over a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh parsley for color
- Lemon wedges on the side
- Extra garlic butter drizzled on top
Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Refrigerator:
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
You can freeze cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps the bites moist and helps revive the sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Dry the Chicken: Removing surface moisture helps the chicken brown instead of steam.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy bites. Cook in batches if needed.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep the heat low when sautéing it in butter.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It makes a difference. Bottled juice can taste flat or overly acidic.
- Taste and Adjust: After returning the chicken to the pan, taste the sauce and adjust with a bit more salt, lemon juice, or butter if needed.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Protein | ~27g |
| Carbohydrates | ~4g |
| Fat | ~17g |
| Saturated Fat | ~6g |
| Fiber | <1g |
| Sugar | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~450mg |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Simple & Delicious Recipe
Course: Chicken4
servings15
minutes15
minutes~280
kcal30
minutesIngredients
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prep the Chicken:
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and toss with flour until lightly coated. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan, followed by garlic, oregano, and paprika. Sauté gently for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant. - Finish the Dish:
Add chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits. Return chicken to the pan and stir to coat with sauce. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with your favorite side.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites FAQs
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Use about 1 tsp pre-minced garlic per clove.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and even cook it ahead. Reheat gently in the sauce before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely first and pat it dry before cooking for best results.
What sides go well with this recipe?
Rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed veggies, or even warm bread for dipping into the sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick, cozy, and full of flavor—just the kind of recipe to keep in your regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish is easy to scale, easy to love, and even easier to clean up after. Try it once, and it might just become your weeknight go-to.
