If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned just right, coated lightly to get that perfect sear, and then drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s rich, aromatic, and downright irresistible. The best part? It comes together quickly, making it a wonderful solution for a satisfying dinner that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together beautifully to create the magic of this dish. Fresh garlic adds a fragrant punch, while the combination of butter and olive oil creates a golden, flavorful coating that brings out the best in the chicken. Cornstarch ensures a delightful texture that’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and the fresh parsley gives a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish things off.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, cut into perfect bite-size pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra depth of garlicky goodness beyond fresh garlic.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Ensures a light, crispy exterior that gives wonderful texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more as needed): Helps brown the chicken beautifully and balances the richness of butter.
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided): The key ingredient of the sauce, bringing richness and mouthwatering flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a must for that bold, irresistible aroma and taste.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal touch to brighten the final plate.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-size pieces — the perfect little morsels that’ll soak up all the buttery garlic goodness. Season them well with salt, pepper, and the garlic powder to create a solid base of flavor. Dusting the pieces evenly with cornstarch is a nifty trick to help achieve that slightly crispy, golden crust when cooking.
Step 2: Heat Oil and Butter in the Skillet
Next, heat up olive oil along with a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This combination helps you get the chicken golden and adds layers of flavor right from the start. You want the pan really hot before introducing the chicken so it sears beautifully rather than stews in its own juices.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken in Batches
To ensure each piece gets a perfect browning and cooks evenly, add half the chicken at a time to the skillet. Keep the pieces with a little space between them — crowding the pan leads to steaming instead of searing. Cook each batch about 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Add more olive oil if the pan looks dry when you cook the second batch, and once done, set the cooked chicken aside.
Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat for a quick minute to cool slightly, then add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Put the pan back on the heat, stirring constantly so the garlic cooks gently without burning — this step unlocks a fragrant sauce that’s rich and savory. Keep your heat on medium to avoid scorching the garlic and keep that buttery flavor silky smooth.
Step 5: Toss Chicken in Garlic Butter and Finish
Return the browned chicken bites to the skillet and toss them vigorously in the sumptuous garlic butter sauce, coating every piece. This step is where all the flavors come together beautifully. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a lovely burst of color and herbaceous brightness, then serve right away for maximum flavor and juiciness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley not only adds a wonderful color contrast but also a subtle herbal note that lifts the dish. For an extra touch, consider adding a wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze over the bites for a bright, citrusy zing that complements the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These tender, buttery chicken bites pair wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You could also serve them alongside roasted vegetables or garlic butter noodles to keep the comforting flavor theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a shareable appetizer vibe, serve the bites stacked on a platter with toothpicks and small bowls of dipping sauce such as ranch or a spicy aioli. They also make a fantastic filling for buttery crostini or tossed into a warm pita with fresh veggies for a casual, flavorful twist on classic pita sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before sealing to keep the texture and flavor fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken bites by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When freezing, separate the pieces with parchment paper to prevent clumping and make reheating easier.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat to maintain that crisp exterior, or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adding a tiny pat of butter while reheating refreshes the flavor and keeps them moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more moisture and a slightly richer flavor to this dish. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps for seasoning and cooking.
Is cornstarch necessary?
Cornstarch helps achieve a delightfully crispy texture on the outside of the chicken. You can skip it, but the chicken bites won’t have that same light crunch that makes this recipe extra special.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or mix a little cayenne pepper into the seasoning for the chicken. A splash of hot sauce on the finished bites is another quick option.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free since it does not call for any wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check your cornstarch brand to ensure there’s no cross-contamination if you have dietary concerns.
What’s the best way to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn?
Cook the garlic on medium or medium-low heat and stir constantly. Removing the pan from direct heat briefly before adding garlic helps control the temperature and prevents that bitter burnt flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients combined with a little love in the kitchen can create a truly scrumptious meal. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just enjoying a cozy night in, these bites deliver big on taste and comfort. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own and have fun sharing these garlicky, buttery nuggets of joy!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces of chicken breast cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce. This delicious recipe is quick and easy to make, featuring a perfectly browned exterior with a buttery garlic glaze, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, these chicken bites pair well with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more as needed)
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat the Pan: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the pan to heat until the butter melts and the mixture is hot.
- Cook the Chicken Bites: Add half of the chicken pieces to the skillet, making sure they are spread out and not crowded to allow proper browning. Cook for 4 minutes without moving, then flip using tongs and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through to 165°F. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding up to 1 tablespoon more olive oil if needed. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for about one minute. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan. Return the skillet to medium heat and cook while stirring almost constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and cooked through, but not browned or burnt.
- Toss and Serve: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them well with the garlic butter sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately, garnished with the chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking chicken to ensure proper browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Adding cornstarch helps to create a light coating that crisps up nicely in the butter.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; adjust quantity based on preference.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
