Looking for a quick and delicious meal? This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something flavorful but don’t have much time to cook. In just 15 minutes, you can have tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s simply irresistible. Plus, this recipe only requires one pan, making clean-up a breeze!
Ideal for a weeknight dinner, lunch, or even meal prep, these garlic butter chicken bites are sure to satisfy your hunger and cravings for something flavorful and filling. 
Why You’ll Love This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
– Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
– One-Pan Wonder: Less mess with a simple one-pan cooking process.
– Deliciously Flavored: The rich garlic butter sauce coats the chicken perfectly.
– Versatile: Serve it with rice, vegetables, or a salad for a full meal.
– Kid-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that both adults and kids will love.
Ingredients
– 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 tbsp butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon juice (optional, for garnish)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions
– Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
– Butter: Swap for ghee or olive oil to make it dairy-free.
– Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
– Herbs: Fresh parsley works well, but dried herbs like thyme or oregano can also be added for different flavor notes.
– Lemon: If you don’t have fresh lemon, a splash of vinegar can add some tang.
How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried parsley.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn it).
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated.
If desired, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the chicken for a zesty kick.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Pair with rice, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Mix-ins & Add-ons
– Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to the pan for added flavor and nutrition.
– Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.
– Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a spicy twist.
– Rice or Pasta: Serve the garlic butter chicken bites over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta for a heartier meal.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
– Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
– Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce the best flavor. If you must substitute, use garlic powder in a pinch.
– Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.
– Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more garlic, lemon, or herbs for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
– Refrigerator: Store leftover garlic butter chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: These chicken bites freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
– Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or olive oil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Recipe Variations
– Honey Garlic Chicken Bites: Add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a sweet and savory version of the dish.
– Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites: Increase the lemon juice for a brighter, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter.
– Herbed Garlic Chicken: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a fragrant twist.
FAQs – 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking for the best texture. If you need to cook it from frozen, be sure to extend the cooking time and check the internal temperature.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the garlic butter chicken bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some sautéed veggies like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to make it a more complete meal.
This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, delicious meal. With a rich, buttery garlic sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!
15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Easy One-Pan Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the chicken bites and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce.
- Cook for an additional minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For extra flavor, try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
- If you prefer a crispy texture, you can sear the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
