15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe: Ready in a Flash

Quick weeknight dinners become delightfully simple with these mouthwatering garlic butter chicken bites that deliver maximum flavor in minimal time.

Skillet magic happens when tender chicken pieces meet melted butter and fragrant garlic.

Golden edges crisp up beautifully while herbs infuse each succulent morsel with irresistible aroma.

Minimal ingredients blend into maximum satisfaction for hungry households.

Simple techniques guarantee restaurant-quality results without complicated steps or endless prep work.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will appreciate how effortlessly these chicken bites come together.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable bite of this speedy culinary creation.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Low-Carb Almond Crusted Version: Replace flour with almond flour for a keto-friendly option that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining a crispy exterior.
  • Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Swap dried herbs with fresh rosemary, thyme, and za'atar for a more complex Mediterranean flavor profile that elevates the chicken's taste.
  • Spicy Cajun Transformation: Substitute paprika with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper for a zesty, heat-packed version that brings bold Southern-style excitement to the dish.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace butter with plant-based margarine to create a lactose-free recipe suitable for those with dairy restrictions.

Tasty Matches For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Savor Zesty White Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich garlic butter, complementing the chicken's delicate herbs with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • Craft Creamy Risotto Companion: Smooth parmesan risotto provides a luxurious base that absorbs the garlic butter sauce, creating a harmonious flavor explosion on the plate.
  • Design Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Crisp mixed greens with a light lemon vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken bites, balancing the dish's richness.
  • Elevate Crusty Bread Accent: Warm, crusty artisan bread becomes the perfect tool for soaking up the delectable garlic butter, extending the meal's delightful flavor experience.

How To Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Right

  • Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring they stay fresh and safe to eat.
  • Wrap chicken bites tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and store up to 3 months for future quick meals.
  • Place chicken bites on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Warm at 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent dryness.
  • Warm chicken bites in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, stirring gently until heated through. Avoid overcooking to preserve tender texture.

Your Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Why flour the chicken before cooking?

Flouring the chicken creates a thin, crispy coating that helps seal in moisture and develop a golden-brown exterior, ensuring each bite is flavorful and tender.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will provide a slightly more rich and juicy result compared to chicken breasts.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C, which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

  • What makes this recipe quick and easy?

The small chicken bite sizes, high heat cooking method, and minimal ingredients allow for rapid preparation and cooking, making it perfect for a fast weeknight meal.

Why People Love 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Quick Cooking Champion: Transforms chicken into a delicious meal in just minutes, perfect for busy home cooks who want fast, flavorful results.
  • Flavor-Packed Performance: Combines simple spices like oregano, basil, and paprika to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal ingredient complexity.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Serves multiple purposes – works beautifully as a main course with rice or pasta, or can be presented as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings and parties.
  • Simple Technique Mastery: Requires basic cooking skills with straightforward steps that guarantee golden-brown chicken bites with a rich garlic butter finish, making it accessible for cooks of all experience levels.

Everything In 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that forms the main protein base of the dish.
Seasoning and Coating:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light, crispy coating for the chicken.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Adds Mediterranean-style herbal flavors to the chicken.
  • Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color to the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
Cooking Fats and Aromatics:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright herb note to finish the dish.

Easy Method For 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Clean and cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior when cooking.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Combine dry seasonings in a mixing bowl:
  • Flour
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried basil
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently coat chicken pieces with the seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Surface

Select a large skillet, preferably cast iron. Place over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter, allowing them to melt and create a sizzling cooking surface.

Step 4: Sear Chicken Pieces

Carefully place seasoned chicken in a single layer across the skillet. Allow chicken to develop a golden-brown crust without moving for approximately 3 minutes.

Step 5: Continue Cooking

Flip chicken pieces to brown the opposite side. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until achieving a light golden color.

Step 6: Add Flavor Enhancers

Introduce remaining butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Continue cooking for 1 minute. Stir occasionally to prevent garlic from burning. Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer chicken to a serving plate. Pair with rice, pasta, or a crisp salad. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Tips That Help 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Perfectly Dry Chicken: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior when cooking.
  • Seasoning Secret: Coat chicken evenly with flour and spices by gently tossing in a bowl, creating a flavorful and well-distributed layer of seasonings.
  • Cast Iron Magic: Use a cast iron skillet for superior heat distribution and a beautiful golden crust that locks in the chicken's juiciness.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without touching to promote even cooking and achieve that perfect crispy texture.
  • Garlic Timing Trick: Add minced garlic near the end of cooking to prevent burning and maximize its aromatic flavor, creating a deliciously fragrant dish.
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15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

Savory 15-minute garlic butter chicken bites offer a quick culinary escape with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Golden, tender morsels drizzled in rich, herbed butter will draw hungry diners straight to the kitchen, promising a delightful meal you can whip up in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 20 ounces (1.25 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken by blotting excess moisture with paper towels, then slice into uniform 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
  2. Create a flavor-packed coating by mixing flour with dried herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
  3. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal surface for achieving a crispy exterior. Combine olive oil and butter to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
  4. Carefully arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing maximum surface contact for optimal browning. Cook undisturbed for approximately 3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
  5. Rotate chicken bites to expose uncooked sides, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes until achieving a light, appetizing brown color.
  6. Introduce remaining butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet. This will create an aromatic and rich flavor profile.
  7. Stir ingredients gently, allowing garlic to release its fragrance and chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F/74°C, which takes roughly 1 minute.
  8. Transfer the garlic butter chicken bites to a serving platter, pairing with complementary sides like fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Pat chicken thoroughly dry to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
  • Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness and food safety, avoiding overcooking.
  • Customize seasoning blend by swapping herbs or adding spices like chili flakes for extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 295 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.4 g
  • Sodium: 316 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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