Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your answer! Juicy chicken pieces tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce come together in just 15 minutes. With only one pan and a handful of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something effortlessly tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Flavor-Packed: Loaded with the goodness of garlic and butter.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or veggies.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these chicken bites:
- Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh garlic for that bold, aromatic flavor
- Butter to create a rich, savory sauce
- A pinch of paprika for color and warmth
Find the complete list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the chicken in batches, ensuring a golden crust forms, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, melt the butter, and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the pan, toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce, and serve hot.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Get a good sear: Pat the chicken pieces dry before seasoning for a beautiful crust.
- Low and slow for garlic: Don’t rush cooking the garlic; it should be golden and fragrant, not burnt.
- Double the sauce: Love extra sauce? Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to extend it.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a fun twist.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Throw in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an added layer of flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Over Rice: Serve with fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious garlic butter.
- With Veggies: Pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a simple side salad.
- As an Appetizer: Stick toothpicks in the bites and serve them as a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit more butter if needed to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic offers the best flavor in this dish.
2. What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative for a lighter version.
3. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook it! Remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil or dairy-free butter, and it’ll still be delicious!
Conclusion
15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect solution for nights when you need a fast, satisfying meal. With juicy chicken and a sauce so good you’ll want to lick the pan, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Check out the recipe card below for all the details and give it a try tonight. Enjoy your easy one-pan masterpiece!
Print
15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Easy One-Pan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and easy one-pan dish features tender chicken bites coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick meal prep option, these flavorful bites pair wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes on one side without stirring, until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Customizations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Serving Ideas: Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg