Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick, flavor-packed dish featuring golden-seared chicken tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Whether served as a hearty main dish or a savory appetizer, these bites are sure to become a go-to in your weekly dinner rotation. Juicy, tender, and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a simple yet impressive option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a fuss-free, satisfying meal with maximum flavor. The chicken is seasoned with a simple blend of spices and seared to perfection, then coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s irresistibly savory. It’s versatile enough to pair with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or pasta, and it works well for meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a quick solo dinner, these chicken bites check every box for convenience and taste.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- olive oil
- unsalted butter
- garlic cloves, minced
- smoked paprika
- onion powder
- salt and pepper
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- optional: lemon juice (for added brightness)
directions
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes until fully cooked and golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 290 kcal
Variations
- Add Heat: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Version: Add thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the garlic butter for extra depth.
- Crispy Finish: Lightly dredge chicken in cornstarch before searing for a crisp exterior.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy version.
- Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and a bit of honey to the garlic butter for a sweet-savory twist.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. For best results, avoid overcooking during reheating to preserve the chicken’s tenderness. These bites can also be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated from thawed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier than chicken breasts.
What sides go well with garlic butter chicken bites?
Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or even a fresh green salad pair perfectly.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning.
Is this dish keto or low-carb?
Yes, it is naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for a keto-friendly meal.
How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?
Avoid overcooking. Sear until just golden and cooked through, then coat in the garlic butter while still hot.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites and store them for meal prep. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch—about 1/2 teaspoon.
What herbs can I use instead of parsley?
Fresh thyme, basil, or chives also work well as garnishes or flavor additions.
Can I cook this recipe in the oven?
This recipe is designed for the stovetop, but you can sear the chicken first and finish in a hot oven if preferred.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter substitute to make the dish suitable for lactose intolerance or dairy-free diets.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites offer a fast, flavorful solution to weeknight dinners or entertaining. With minimal ingredients and a one-skillet method, they deliver on both ease and taste. Whether you’re serving them with your favorite sides or enjoying them as finger food, this recipe proves that simple meals can be incredibly delicious. Add it to your meal rotation for a guaranteed hit every time.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy, and full of flavor—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or easy entertaining. Seared to golden perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, this high-protein, low-carb dish is ready in under 30 minutes and pairs well with anything from rice to roasted veggies.
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
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for brightness
Instructions
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Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Lower heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet.
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Once melted, stir in garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
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Return chicken to skillet and toss well to coat in garlic butter.
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Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if using.
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Serve hot with your favorite side.
Notes
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Great with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or over pasta.
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For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or grated Parmesan.
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Works well for meal prep or as a protein topper for salads or bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main / Appetizer
- Method: Skillet / Sautéed
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
