15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe for Busy Nights

Quick weeknight meals become a breeze with these delectable garlic butter chicken bites that solve dinnertime stress in just 15 minutes.

Succulent chicken pieces promise maximum flavor without complicated kitchen gymnastics.

Butter melts into golden pools, creating an irresistible coating that makes everyone crave each tender morsel.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine with strategic cooking techniques.

Salt, pepper, and fresh garlic dance together, infusing each chicken bite with incredible depth.

Minimal prep means you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table faster than ordering takeout.

Hungry diners will devour these juicy, fragrant morsels before you can even set the table.

Why 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Are a Hit

  • Speed Demon Dinner: Prepare a delicious, protein-packed meal in just minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Flavor-Packed Perfection: Garlic butter creates a rich, savory coating that transforms simple chicken into a mouthwatering dish everyone will love.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses basic pantry staples and requires only one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and reducing kitchen stress.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve over rice, pasta, or with a side salad for a quick and adaptable meal that satisfies diverse taste preferences.

Ingredients for Fast Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender, bite-sized pieces that create a quick and delicious protein base for the dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and provide a classic herb profile.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy texture and helps brown the chicken.
  • Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic punch of flavor to the chicken bites.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the dish.

How to Cook 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Sizzling Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium flame and melt the butter until it becomes golden and releases a rich, nutty aroma. The butter should be bubbling softly and have a light golden color.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Pieces

Add chicken pieces directly into the melted butter. Season the chicken with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Sauté the chicken, turning each piece to ensure even browning.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic Magic

Sprinkle minced garlic across the chicken pieces.

Stir and toss the chicken to coat every morsel with the aromatic garlic. Continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its intense, warm flavor without burning.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

Taste the chicken and adjust seasonings if needed. Add extra salt or pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the chicken bites, adding a burst of color and fresh herb flavor.

Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately while hot and juicy.

Handy Tips for Chicken Bites That Wow

  • Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking, preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use ghee for a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich flavor.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or include lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note that complements the garlic's intensity.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein every time.

Fun Ways to Switch Up Garlic Chicken Bites

  • Spicy Sriracha Sensation: Replace Italian seasoning with sriracha sauce and red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Add a splash of lime juice for tangy brightness.
  • Mediterranean Herb Melody: Swap butter with olive oil and incorporate fresh oregano, dill, and lemon zest. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for authentic Greek flavors.
  • Honey Mustard Harmony: Mix honey and Dijon mustard into the pan after cooking chicken. Coat the pieces completely, creating a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
  • Asian-Inspired Soy Fusion: Use sesame oil instead of butter, add soy sauce and ginger. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an eastern-style profile.

Great Sides for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair these juicy chicken bites with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose light, zesty notes perfectly complement the buttery garlic flavors.
  • Fresh Green Salad Partner: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness of the garlic butter and provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Roasted Vegetable Side Kick: Add roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to enhance the meal's flavor profile and provide a colorful, nutritious accompaniment.
  • Crusty Bread Absorber: Include a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying and ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Keeping Garlic Chicken Bites Fresh and Tasty

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place chicken bites on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread chicken bites on a baking sheet, cover with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Warm for 10-12 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking and maintaining tender texture.

FAQ Guide for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely first and pat dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken pieces.

  • What type of chicken works best for these bites?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are ideal, cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These chicken bites can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making them perfect for quick meals during the week.

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15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 15-17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling 15-minute garlic butter chicken bites bring Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with minimal effort. Juicy chicken pieces dance in rich, herb-infused butter, promising a quick and delectable meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Butter and Seasonings:

  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium heat, allowing butter to melt and develop a rich, nutty fragrance.
  2. Introduce seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet, ensuring each morsel is coated with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for maximum flavor enhancement.
  3. Sizzle the chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve an even golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
  4. Infuse the skillet with minced garlic, stirring continuously for 45-60 seconds to release its aromatic essence without burning.
  5. Taste the chicken and fine-tune seasonings with additional salt and pepper if desired, creating a balanced flavor profile.
  6. Immediately transfer the succulent chicken bites to a serving platter, sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
  7. Serve hot, allowing the garlic butter to showcase its delectable, glistening coating on each tender chicken bite.

Notes

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor compared to chicken breast.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking and consistent golden-brown results.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Transform this dish into a low-carb option by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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