Quick 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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15-minute garlic butter chicken bites

When you want a quick, tasty meal that will fill you up, 15-minute garlic butter chicken bites is the recipe to use. These pieces of chicken are soft and juicy, and they are covered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that is full of flavor. This recipe for one pan has everything you need for a weeknight dinner, a snack that everyone will love, or a hearty meal.

The fact that this dish is so easy to make makes it even more appealing. You can make a restaurant-quality meal in no time with just a few ingredients and little preparation time. Also, you can eat garlic butter chicken bites with almost anything, from fresh salads to creamy pastas.

It only takes 15 minutes to get ready.
Only needs one pan, so cleaning up is easy.
Great for making meals ahead of time, family dinners, or even snacks on game day.
Can be changed to meet different dietary needs, like gluten-free or keto.

Tools Needed for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

You need the right tools to make perfectly cooked garlic butter chicken bites:

Cutting board and sharp knife: To cut the chicken into even pieces that are easy to eat.
Large Skillet (Cast Iron Preferred): A heavy-bottomed skillet cooks food evenly and helps make a golden crust.
Tongs or a spatula: To turn the chicken over without losing its crispy skin.
Mixing Bowl: To coat the chicken with the tasty seasoning mix.
Measuring spoons: Make sure that the amounts of each ingredient are exact.

Why These Tools Are Important:

A sharp knife makes sure that the chicken is cut evenly and cleanly, while the skillet’s even heat distribution is important for browning. Using tongs keeps the chicken pieces from getting too messy and keeps the seasoning on them.

Ingredients

20 oz 1¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
3 garlic cloves minced
2 tbsp parsley freshly chopped

Extra things you can add:

Add fresh lemon juice for a tangy finish.
Add red pepper flakes to make it spicy.
Grated Parmesan cheese makes it taste even better.

How to Get Perfect Chicken Bites Ready

Dry the Chicken: Use a paper towel to dry the chicken pieces well because moisture stops them from browning.
Cut Evenly: To make sure the pieces cook evenly and have a consistent texture, cut them into 1-inch pieces.
Toss with Spices: To get the most flavor, put the chicken in a bowl and toss it with the spice mix.
Preheat the skillet: A hot pan is necessary to get that lovely golden crust. Before adding the chicken, wait until the oil and butter are hot.
Don’t fill the pan too full: If you need to, cook in batches to get the right amount of browning.

Pro Tip: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices and flavor in.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut them into 1-inch pieces.

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle with flour, dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter to the skillet.

Once the oil is hot and the butter has melted, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.

Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to achieve a golden crust. Flip the pieces and cook for an additional 2 minutes until lightly browned.

3. Add the Garlic Butter Flavor

Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet.

Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).

4. Serve

Serve hot as a main dish with sides like rice, pasta, or a fresh salad, or as an appetizer. Enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chicken bites may seem easy, but a few mistakes can change the dish. To make sure your garlic butter chicken bites are always perfect, don’t make these common mistakes:

Putting too many things in the pan: Crowding the chicken makes it hard for it to brown. If you need to, cook in batches so that each piece has enough room.
Cooking the chicken too little or too much: Undercooked chicken is unsafe, while overcooked chicken turns dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Not Preheating the Skillet: Adding chicken to a cold pan prevents a good sear. Ensure the oil and butter are hot before adding the chicken.
Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can become bitter if burned. Add it in the final minutes of cooking for optimal flavor.
Skipping the Drying Step: Skipping the step of patting the chicken dry can lead to steaming instead of browning, which affects the texture.

Pro Tip: Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices for a more tender bite.

Expert Tips for Best Results

Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic dish. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Use Fresh Garlic and Parsley: Fresh ingredients enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Avoid substituting with dried parsley for garnishing.
Zest It Up: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the chicken right before serving for a bright and zesty twist.
Don’t Skip the Resting Step: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 2–3 minutes. This helps retain the juices, ensuring tender, moist bites.
Scaling Up: Double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group, but be sure to cook in batches to maintain that golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

The best thing about 15-minute garlic butter chicken bites is that you can use them in so many ways. You can serve them as a main dish, a tasty appetizer, or as a side dish with a bigger meal. Here are some great ideas for things to eat together:

1. Pairings for the Main Dish:

Serve the chicken over a bed of herbed rice pilaf for a full meal.
Buttery Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes go perfectly with the rich garlic butter sauce.
Pasta: For a quick garlic butter chicken pasta, mix the chicken bites with linguine or fettuccine.
Serve over fluffy quinoa for a lighter, gluten-free option.

2. Salad Combinations:

The crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese go well with the buttery chicken in the Caesar salad.
Pair arugula salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing snack.

3. Ideas for appetizers:

With Dipping Sauces: Serve with garlic aioli, ranch, or marinara sauce for dipping.
On Skewers: Put chicken pieces on skewers to make it easy to serve at parties.

4. Choices of Bread:

Garlic Bread: Get more garlic flavor by having warm garlic bread on the side.
Use the bread to soak up the thick garlic butter sauce on the crusty baguette.

Side Dishes That Go Well

These eight amazing side dishes will make your meal even better by going well with the flavors of garlic butter chicken bites:

Side Dishes with Vegetables:

Lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, roasted asparagus adds a fresh, crunchy taste.
Garlic Green Beans: A simple side dish made with olive oil and minced garlic.

Sides with Carbs:

Creamy Parmesan Risotto: A rich, creamy side that soaks up the buttery sauce beautifully.
Buttered Egg Noodles: These noodles go well with a little bit of parsley.

Salads:

Greek Salad: Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and feta cheese add a Mediterranean twist.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad: A sweet and savory option with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Appetizer Pairings:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill mushrooms with a cheesy breadcrumb mixture for a decadent complement.
Bruschetta: Toasted baguette topped with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze pairs wonderfully with the chicken bites.

Notes

Add Brightness: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving for a zesty flavor.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick.
Extra Flavor: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled chicken bites in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions:

To freeze, lay the cooked chicken bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

In a Skillet: Reheat over medium heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10–15 minutes.
In the Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking and drying out.

Pro Tip: For frozen chicken, reheat in the skillet to help restore its crispy texture.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer even juicier bites. However, cook them slightly longer as they take more time to reach 165°F (74°C).
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Both will help create the golden crust without compromising on texture.
What’s the best way to prevent the garlic from burning?
Add garlic towards the end of cooking, after the chicken is nearly done. Cook it gently over medium heat to release its aroma without turning bitter.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with dairy-free alternatives like ghee, olive oil, or vegan butter.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Skip the flour, or replace it with almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can season the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 8 hours before cooking. Cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to make the chicken extra crispy?
Ensure the chicken is completely dry before tossing in flour. Cook in a hot skillet without overcrowding to maintain a crispy exterior.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

15-minute garlic butter chicken bites offer a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and convenience. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a gathering, this versatile recipe is guaranteed to impress.