If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the 15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, golden chicken pieces coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce are bursting with herby goodness and ready faster than you can decide what to cook. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a spontaneous get-together, this recipe delivers a delicious punch of comfort and simplicity that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that work together to create amazing flavor and texture. From the savory blend of seasonings in the flour coating to the rich, garlicky butter sauce, each component plays a vital role in making these chicken bites irresistibly tasty.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cutting the chicken into 1-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly and quickly, giving you tender bites every time.
- All-purpose flour: This helps create a light, golden crust that locks in juices while cooking.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential basics that elevate the natural flavor of the chicken with a balanced seasoning.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle depth of sweetness and savoriness without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that brings an herbal brightness and complexity to the coating.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken with a lovely crispness and mild fruity taste.
- Unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, offering richness and that classic silky mouthfeel.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the buttery sauce with a bold, aromatic kick.
- Fresh parsley: A garnish that adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, slightly peppery note.
- Cooked rice or roasted vegetables: Ideal for serving, these sides soak up the garlicky butter and complete the meal beautifully.
How to Make 15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl or zip-top bag. This simple seasoning blend is key to seasoning every bite. Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until each piece is lightly coated, ensuring that golden, flavorful crust forms when cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer so they cook evenly. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until you see a golden brown crust. The chicken should cook through to an internal temperature of 165°F, sealing in all those juicy flavors.
Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley. This simple sauce is truly magic—rich, fragrant, and perfect for coating the chicken bites with luscious flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Pour the garlic butter sauce over the cooked chicken bites. Toss everything together to ensure every piece is beautifully glazed. Let it cook together for an extra minute so all those flavors marry perfectly, creating that unforgettable garlicky buttery goodness.
How to Serve 15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of freshly cracked pepper on top to add a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens up this rich dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a wonderful zing and balance the buttery sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
These chicken bites pair wonderfully with fluffy cooked rice that soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce. Or try them alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots for a colorful and nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken bites as a hearty appetizer with toothpicks, or pile them over a fresh salad for a light dinner option. You can also spoon them onto toasted baguette slices for easy and impressive garlic butter chicken crostini that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain the moisture and flavor so you’re never far from an easy second meal.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep this deliciousness longer, spread the cooked chicken bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready for those busy days when you need a quick fix.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken bites in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or oil to revive their crispy edges and silky garlic butter sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the texture just right!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and tend to stay juicy and tender. Just cut them into similar-sized bites and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The coating will still crisp up beautifully, and the flavor remains unbeatable.
Can I add more herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding smoked paprika, cayenne, or fresh thyme to the flour mixture for an extra punch of flavor tailored to your taste.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken cooks evenly?
Cutting the chicken into similar-sized pieces and cooking in a single layer in a hot pan is the key. Don’t overcrowd the skillet so each bite gets that perfect golden sear.
Can I make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or extra olive oil. The garlic and herbs will still shine, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that comes together effortlessly but feels indulgent and homemade—this 15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is exactly that. I hope you fall in love with its bold flavors and simple preparation, making it a go-to in your kitchen anytime you want a quick, comforting, and delicious dinner. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite recipe you return to again and again!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These 15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a seasoned flour mix, pan-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect as a speedy weeknight meal served alongside rice or roasted vegetables, this recipe combines simple ingredients with bold, savory flavors for an satisfying and easy dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Cooked rice or roasted vegetables
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken pieces and toss or shake until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley until well combined.
- Toss Chicken with Sauce: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the cooked chicken bites in the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Cook the chicken with the sauce for an additional 1 minute to let the flavors meld. Serve immediately alongside cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
- For extra crispy chicken bites, avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if needed.
- Fresh parsley adds bright flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted if necessary (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
- Butter can be substituted with ghee or margarine for dietary preferences.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed/roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
