Need a delicious dinner in a flash? These 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your answer! With tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, this quick and easy one-pan meal is bursting with flavor and ready in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect go-to when you’re short on time but want something tasty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a dream come true for busy nights. The chicken is perfectly cooked in a simple yet irresistible garlic butter sauce that’s packed with savory goodness. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s a flavor-packed, fuss-free dinner that’s bound to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Full ingredient list and measurements can be found below.
Directions
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not burned. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To get that crispy, golden exterior on the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Add Veggies: You can toss in some vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking to make it a more complete meal.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra citrusy kick, add a little lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce if you like a little heat.
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts—they’re juicier and can be more forgiving during cooking.
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve your garlic butter chicken bites with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A simple side salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up that flavorful sauce would also be perfect.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but the stovetop will help maintain the chicken’s texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw it first to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
2. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works perfectly fine in this recipe, though it can dry out a little quicker, so be careful not to overcook it.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and cook everything when you’re ready.
4. What else can I serve with this?
These chicken bites pair well with just about anything—pasta, a green salad, or even steamed veggies like green beans or asparagus.
Conclusion
When you’re short on time but craving a flavorful meal, these 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the answer. They’re quick, easy, and utterly delicious. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this one-pan dinner is sure to become a weeknight favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite!
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15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Quick & Easy One-Pan Dinner
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 15-minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect quick and easy dinner! Tender chicken pieces are seared and coated in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce, making this one-pan meal a family favorite. Serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the butter and minced garlic to the other side. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir the garlic butter together with the chicken to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can serve the chicken bites with steamed rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the dish before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg