Butter Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the kind of weeknight dinner that punches way above its weight, let me introduce you to Butter Garlic Chicken Bites. These tender, golden bits of chicken are wrapped in a fragrant, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of Italian herbs and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Every bite manages to be both comforting and exciting, and the best part is: the whole dish comes together in minutes, with ingredients you probably already have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised by how such a small list of simple ingredients can create such big flavors. Every item here adds something unique: texture, color, or that irresistible aroma only the combination of butter and garlic can deliver.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior on each chicken bite.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces for fast, even cooking with juicy results.
• All-purpose flour: Provides a light coating that helps the chicken brown beautifully.
• Salt: Just enough to bring out all the natural flavors in the dish.
• Pepper: Adds a little warmth and subtle heat.
• Italian seasoning: Brings herby brightness and complexity to the chicken.
• Onion powder: Gives a mild, savory backbone that plays perfectly with the garlic.
• Butter: The heart of the sauce—melted for that rich, glossy finish.
• Garlic: The star of the show, infusing everything with its signature aroma and flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped fine for a pop of color and garden-fresh taste.

How to Make Butter Garlic Chicken Bites

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Grab a large freezer bag and combine the flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder inside. Add your chopped chicken pieces, seal it up, and give everything a really good shake. This is the secret to getting every single piece perfectly seasoned and lightly dusted, ready for that beautiful caramelization in the pan.

Step 2: Mix Up the Butter Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. This blend is going to drape itself over the crisping chicken at just the right moment, adding rich flavor you’ll smell throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high. Drop in your floured chicken pieces, leaving a little space so they sear rather than steam. Give them two or three minutes per side, and watch as they turn irresistibly golden-brown and start smelling incredible.

Step 4: Add the Butter Garlic Magic

With the chicken nearly done, pour in your butter, garlic, and parsley mixture. It’ll sizzle and bubble, coating every piece in herby, buttery goodness. Let it cook for another minute so the flavors really sink in and the chicken finishes cooking through.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is glistening and infused with that aromatic sauce, pull it from the heat. These Butter Garlic Chicken Bites are best served hot, so don’t be shy—pile them onto plates and bring them to the table while they’re still steamy.

How to Serve Butter Garlic Chicken Bites

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving makes the Butter Garlic Chicken Bites look extra vibrant and even more inviting. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon for brightness or a few shavings of parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Both add a fresh, special touch that takes this dish over the top.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Roasted veggies also make a stellar side, especially broccoli or asparagus, which soak up that extra butter garlic sauce. Even a crusty piece of bread on the side is tempting for sopping up what’s left in the pan!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Butter Garlic Chicken Bites on skewers for an appetizer twist at parties, or tuck them into warm pita with crisp lettuce for a quick wrap. They’re just as at home tossed into pasta as the highlight of a grain bowl loaded with your favorite toppings—get creative and mix things up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Butter Garlic Chicken Bites into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making them great for easy lunches or second-day dinners.

Freezing

Cooled chicken bites can be frozen for up to two months. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before moving to a freezer bag, so they don’t stick together and are easy to reheat portion by portion.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Butter Garlic Chicken Bites in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep them juicy. A quick spin in the microwave works too, but keep an eye out so they don’t dry out—just heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the dish even juicier and add a deeper flavor. Just trim off any excess fat and cut into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries. A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme will do the trick just fine. Adjust to your taste or simply use your favorite dried herbs from the pantry.

Can I make Butter Garlic Chicken Bites dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or margarine. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious—just keep the garlic and herbs in there!

How do I avoid the chicken getting soggy?

Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps the flour coating get perfectly crispy instead of soft.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Simply use a larger skillet or cook in batches so each piece of chicken gets enough room to brown. Double up the sauce ingredients so every nugget is covered in that irresistible butter garlic goodness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Butter Garlic Chicken Bites as I am to share them! They’re everything you want in a quick, satisfying meal: simple, scrumptious, and sure to please a crowd or just yourself after a long day. Go ahead and give them a spot in your regular rotation—you won’t regret it!

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