Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier than breasts. Just make sure to trim excess fat and cut them into similarly sized pieces. The cooking time might be slightly longer, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer - chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the largest piece - the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a good quality dairy-free butter alternative or even olive oil, though the flavor profile will change. Add a splash of chicken broth at the end to create more sauce if needed.

Why is my chicken not browning properly?

Three common culprits: your pan wasn't hot enough before adding the chicken, the chicken pieces were too wet (always pat dry!), or the pan was overcrowded. For perfect browning, ensure your pan is hot, the chicken is dry, and cook in batches if necessary.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 9 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken Bites; 1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (about 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper recommended); 1 Tbsp olive oil; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 1 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves); 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley*

This irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe transforms simple chicken breast into a flavor-packed meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Tender chunks of chicken are coated in Italian seasoning and flour, then pan-seared to golden perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s the perfect solution for hectic weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From cutting board to dinner table in 15 minutes flat – perfect for those nights when you’re starving and short on time!
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, so no special trip to the grocery store needed.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a sauce that’s absolutely irresistible – you’ll be sopping up every last drop.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with virtually any side dish from couscous to roasted vegetables, making meal planning a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing lean protein that becomes incredibly tender when cooked this way. Thighs work beautifully too if you prefer darker meat.
All-purpose flour: Creates that perfect light coating that helps the chicken brown beautifully and thickens the sauce slightly.
Italian seasoning: A time-saving blend that instantly adds complex herbal notes without measuring multiple spices.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors – don’t skimp here!
Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Butter: The soul of this recipe! Creates that luscious sauce that coats every piece of chicken. Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
Fresh garlic: Provides that unmistakable aroma and punchy flavor that makes this dish memorable. Fresh is absolutely worth it here.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich butter sauce and gives the dish a beautiful pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to make this recipe your own:

Lemon Garlic Chicken: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish for a bright, zesty twist.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix for a dish with some heat.
Herb Garden Version: Mix in additional fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil along with the parsley.
Parmesan Crusted: Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last minute of cooking for a nutty, crispy finish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Preheat your non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting that perfect golden crust! In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to your hot skillet. Once the butter has melted, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure to leave some space between them. This is key – crowding the pan will cause the chicken to steam rather than sear! Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until the bottom develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 3: Flip and Continue Cooking

Flip each piece to cook the opposite side for about 2 minutes. The chicken should be almost cooked through at this point. You’re looking for that gorgeous caramelization that equals flavor!

Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter Finish

Now for the magic moment! Add the remaining butter to the pan along with minced garlic and fresh parsley. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring frequently to coat each piece of chicken in that aromatic butter sauce. The chicken should reach 165°F in the center and show no pink when cut into.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Transfer your chicken bites directly from the pan to serving plates to enjoy at peak deliciousness. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table ready to dig in!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Drying the Chicken: Moisture is the enemy of browning. Patting the chicken dry ensures you’ll get that perfect golden crust.
Hot Pan, Cold Oil: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil and butter for the best sear on the chicken.
Cut Uniform Pieces: Try to cut your chicken pieces to roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed rather than crowding the pan, which causes steaming instead of searing.
Watch the Garlic Carefully: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Add it toward the end of cooking as directed.

How to Serve

This versatile chicken dish pairs beautifully with so many sides:

Quick Options:

Lemon couscous makes a perfect partner (simply bring chicken broth, lemon juice, and water to a boil, add couscous, remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes).
Steamed broccoli or asparagus completes the meal with minimal effort.
A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.

Heartier Companions:

Buttered egg noodles capture all that wonderful garlic sauce.
Creamy mashed potatoes make this a comfort food feast.
Crusty bread is essential for sopping up every last bit of that garlic butter goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this excellent for meal prep!

Freezing

While you can freeze these chicken bites, the texture is best when fresh. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. The butter sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until just warmed through. Add a small pat of butter to refresh the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but use medium power to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier than breasts. Just make sure to trim excess fat and cut them into similarly sized pieces. The cooking time might be slightly longer, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer – chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the largest piece – the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a good quality dairy-free butter alternative or even olive oil, though the flavor profile will change. Add a splash of chicken broth at the end to create more sauce if needed.
Why is my chicken not browning properly?

Three common culprits: your pan wasn’t hot enough before adding the chicken, the chicken pieces were too wet (always pat dry!), or the pan was overcrowded. For perfect browning, ensure your pan is hot, the chicken is dry, and cook in batches if necessary.

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are what weeknight dinner dreams are made of – quick, incredibly flavorful, and satisfying. I love recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort, and this one absolutely delivers. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and rich butter creates something that feels special enough for company but easy enough for any busy Tuesday. Give it a try tonight – I guarantee it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!