Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delectable dish featuring tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast sautéed to golden perfection and enveloped in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. This quick and straightforward recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal without extensive preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a short cooking time, this recipe delivers a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
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Flavorful: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich, savory sauce that enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
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Versatile: Serve these chicken bites over pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
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Family-Friendly: Its mild yet satisfying flavors make it a hit among both adults and children.
Ingredients
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts:
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Use about 1-2 pounds of chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
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Fresh Garlic:
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Opt for firm cloves; minced garlic imparts a robust flavor to the dish.
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Butter:
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Unsalted butter is preferred to control the dish’s saltiness.
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Olive Oil:
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A small amount helps achieve a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
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Salt and Pepper:
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Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
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Fresh Parsley:
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Adds a touch of color and freshness; use as a garnish before serving.
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(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken:
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Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
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Season the chicken evenly with salt and pepper.
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Heat the Skillet:
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
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Allow the butter to melt and the mixture to become hot but not smoking.
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Cook the Chicken:
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Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
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Sear the chicken until golden brown on one side, approximately 3-4 minutes.
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Flip the pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
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Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
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Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
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Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic.
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Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
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Combine and Serve:
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
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Cook for an additional minute to ensure the chicken is heated through.
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Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
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Serve immediately while hot.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 3 servings.
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Preparation Time: About 9 minutes.
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Cooking Time: Approximately 6 minutes.
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Total Time: Roughly 15 minutes.
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sautéing step for a subtle heat.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary to introduce additional aromatic flavors.
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Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving for a rich, cheesy twist.
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Creamy Sauce: After cooking the garlic, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine and stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream for a luscious, creamy sauce.
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Citrus Zest: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce for a bright, tangy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Place any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To maintain juiciness, reheat the chicken bites in a skillet over low to medium heat with a small amount of butter or oil until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may result in a dry, rubbery texture.
FAQs
How can I ensure the chicken remains tender and juicy?
To maintain tenderness, avoid overcooking the chicken. Cooking the pieces until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures they are safe to eat while remaining moist. Using a meat thermometer can help achieve precise results.
Print
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Looking for a quick and flavorful chicken dish? These Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are juicy, golden, and packed with garlic and buttery goodness—ready in under 20 minutes! Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Keywords: garlic butter chicken bites, easy chicken recipes, skillet chicken
Ingredients
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1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
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3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the hot skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
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Lower the heat and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir to coat all the chicken pieces.
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Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
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Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed to keep chicken crispy.
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Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
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Serve with rice, pasta, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Details:
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