Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

If you’re hunting for a new weeknight superstar, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. These addictive, bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken are seared until crisp, cloaked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, and finished with a shower of parsley. They come together fast, taste like a restaurant treat, and bring comfort and cheer straight to the table. If you love the flavors of garlic and buttery goodness with a golden sear, you’ll want to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites part of your regular dinner rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients truly shine in this recipe, each one playing a key part in the final symphony of flavors. From pantry staples to a handful of fresh touches, every element helps create color, texture, and irresistible taste in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.

• Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and a tender, juicy result.
• Olive Oil: Provides a high-heat base for searing and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Divided between searing and saucing, butter is the soul of the dish, adding richness and silkiness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with its bold, aromatic depth—don’t hold back!
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs brings a subtle Mediterranean touch and heaps of flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Just a bit of smoked paprika imparts a gentle warmth and a hint of color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; a generous sprinkle enhances every bite.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only delivers fresh, bright notes but also makes the finished dish pop.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken pieces in a large bowl or on a plate. Generously sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated—this simple seasoning step packs in so much flavor right from the beginning.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and half of the butter (that means 2 tablespoons) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter foams, spread the chicken out in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, then turn and finish cooking for another 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Searing at the right temperature locks in the juices and ensures your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites have a crisp, savory crust.

Step 3: Set Aside the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a plate and set them aside. This little break gives you space in the skillet to build your buttery garlic sauce without overcooking the chicken.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute—just until the garlic turns fragrant. Be careful to stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn; its aroma will signal when it’s ready.

Step 5: Return the Chicken and Toss

Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so every bite is coated in that garlicky, buttery magic. Once the chicken is warmed through and glossy with sauce, turn off the heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. This not only adds color but gives a bright, herbal finish to your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Don’t wait—bring them right to the table while they’re piping hot and enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic, but you can jazz things up with a shower of grated parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, or even finely chopped chives. A hint of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat, while lemon zest can brighten the whole experience. Keep a small bowl of extra melted garlic butter on the side for the true garlic lovers in your crowd.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile with sides. Serve them over fluffy white or brown rice, a bed of buttered noodles, or alongside roasted potatoes for pure comfort. If you prefer something lighter, try a bright green salad, sautéed spinach, or crisp-tender steamed broccoli for balance. Even a pile of toasted bread for dipping into the butter sauce is truly irresistible!

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine at the dinner table! These bites are party-perfect as an appetizer on skewers or toothpicks. Tuck them into lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb twist. For family nights, pile them into pita bread or wraps with a little salad for a quick, handheld feast. They’re even fantastic on top of creamy mashed potatoes, lending rich flavor in every forkful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool before storing, and include any extra sauce in the container to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Freezing

These bites freeze beautifully! Arrange the cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

You can gently reheat Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. For a speedy option, the microwave works too—use 30-second bursts and stir between rounds to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites even juicier and more flavorful. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and proceed as directed. You may need to cook them a minute or two longer for perfect results.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Regular paprika works fine, or even a dash of cayenne for some gentle heat. Smoked paprika just adds a little earthy, smoky depth, but your chicken bites will still be delicious without it.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are naturally gluten-free as written. If you choose to pair them with sides, just be sure to select gluten-free options like rice, potatoes, or gluten-free pasta.

How do I make this dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for a dairy-free butter alternative or use extra olive oil. The flavor will shift a bit, but the chicken will still be tender and full of garlicky goodness.

Can I make this with shrimp instead of chicken?

Definitely! Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites are just as quick and tasty. Shrimp cook even faster than chicken—just sauté them for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then toss with the garlic butter sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something easy, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor, you truly can’t go wrong with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this dish as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just find yourself coming back to this one again and again!

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