Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are an easy and delicious dish that brings together tender chicken pieces, rich butter, fresh garlic and herbs for a flavourful meal that’s ready in no time. Whether you’re making dinner after a busy day or prepping for a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe delivers comfort and simplicity in one pan.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
You’ll love these chicken bites because they are:
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Quick to prepare – just cut, season and sear.
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Packed with flavour – garlic, butter, parsley and Italian seasoning all combine for a savoury punch.
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Versatile – serve as a main dish with pasta, rice or veggies, or use as a snack or appetizer.
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Great for meal prep – easily made ahead and reheated.
The textures and aromas will draw you in, and the simplicity means you can enjoy the flavour without complicated steps.
Ingredients
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1¼ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into bite‑sized pieces
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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⅛ teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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1½ tablespoons minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
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2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
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Preheat a large non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat.
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Toss the chicken pieces with the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and paprika so that they are evenly coated.
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Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter to the skillet. Tilt the pan so it coats the surface.
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Add the seasoned chicken to the pan in an even, single layer. Don’t crowd the pieces—this ensures they brown rather than steam.
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Let the chicken cook until the bottom side is nicely golden brown (about 3 minutes), then flip and cook for about 2 more minutes or until nearly cooked through. You may need to cook in batches if your pan is crowded.
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Stir in the last 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the minced garlic and freshly chopped parsley. Cook for about 1 minute longer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release all the tasty browned bits. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked.
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Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy on its own or alongside your choice of sides.
Helpful Tips
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Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken; a hot pan ensures a good sear and prevents steaming.
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Don’t overcrowd the chicken pieces. Leaving space around each piece allows them to brown properly.
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Add the garlic toward the end of the cooking time, since garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter.
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Use unsalted butter so you can better control the salt level of the dish.
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Use fresh parsley right at the end for flavour and freshness.
Substitutions And Variations
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Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts if you prefer darker meat and more flavour.
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You can substitute dried parsley and garlic powder if fresh herbs aren’t available—but fresh always tastes best.
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For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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For a more Mediterranean twist, try adding chopped sun‑dried tomatoes or olives in the final minute of cooking.
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To lighten the dish, use half butter and half chicken stock or white wine in the final step for a more saucy version.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: In the refrigerator, keep any leftovers sealed in an airtight container for up to three days.
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Freezer: You can freeze cooked chicken bites in a freezer‑safe container or bag for 4‑6 months. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
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When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to freshen the sauce and avoid drying out the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve the chicken bites over steaming cooked green vegetables—like sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli—for a clean, simple dinner.
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You can pair this recipe with the suggested sides: the original source recommends serving alongside Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Kale and blistered cherry tomatoes.
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For a rice‑based twist, serve the chicken on top of garlic butter rice or cauliflower rice for a lower‑carb option.
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Use the chicken bites as a topping for a salad—spinach or arugula, shaved parmesan and a drizzle of lemon‑butter sauce would work beautifully.
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For a casual gathering, thread the cooked bites onto toothpicks and serve as finger food or appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken if you thaw it thoroughly first and pat it dry. This ensures proper browning rather than steaming. Season as directed and proceed with the recipe.
What if I overcrowd the pan?
Overcrowding causes the chicken to release moisture, which leads to steaming instead of searing. For best results, cook in batches so each piece gets a golden crust.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cut and season the chicken the day before and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to cook, bring it to room temperature, heat the pan, and proceed.
Can I add vegetables directly into the pan with the chicken?
You could, but be careful. If you add vegetables too early, they may overcook or prevent the chicken from browning properly. It’s best to cook the chicken first, then remove it, sauté vegetables in the same pan to get flavour from the fond (browned bits), and finally reintroduce the chicken.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for choosing this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe. I’ve enjoyed making it many times in my own kitchen, the buttery garlic sauce, the crisp seared chicken, the freshness of parsley, it’s a combination that always brings comfort and flavour. I hope you find making it as easy and rewarding as I have. Wishing you many joyful meals and delicious moments in the kitchen. Enjoy every bite and thank you for being part of this food‑loving community!
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Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy, and full of garlicky-herb flavor. This quick skillet meal comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
1¼ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1½ tablespoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
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Preheat a large non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat.
-
Toss the chicken pieces with the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and paprika so that they are evenly coated.
-
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter to the skillet. Tilt the pan so it coats the surface.
-
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan in an even, single layer. Don’t crowd the pieces—this ensures they brown rather than steam.
-
Let the chicken cook until the bottom side is nicely golden brown (about 3 minutes), then flip and cook for about 2 more minutes or until nearly cooked through. You may need to cook in batches if your pan is crowded.
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Stir in the last 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the minced garlic and freshly chopped parsley. Cook for about 1 minute longer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release all the tasty browned bits. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked.
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Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy on its own or alongside your choice of sides.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan for the best sear.
This recipe pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies.
Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g