Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and offer more moisture and richness. They’re especially forgiving for beginners since they stay tender even if slightly overcooked.

What’s the best way to reheat garlic butter chicken bites?

For best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This helps maintain that golden crust. Microwave works in a pinch but may make the chicken slightly rubbery.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Add the garlic after the chicken is mostly cooked and reduce the heat slightly. Garlic only needs a minute or so to become fragrant—any longer and it can turn bitter.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative or use all olive oil. You’ll lose some of the richness, but the garlic and spices will still bring great flavor.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
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 fresh garlic (about 4 cloves); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Description

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are juicy, golden-seared chunks of chicken cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is a go-to for quick, healthy meals with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

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 fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika until evenly coated. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor before it hits the pan.
Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet (preferably non-stick or cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter, swirling to coat the pan evenly and prevent the butter from burning.
Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan to allow proper browning. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until golden on one side, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until nearly done.
Add Garlic and Finish Cooking: Lower the heat slightly. Add the remaining butter along with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Stir to coat the chicken in the garlicky butter and continue cooking for 1 more minute until the chicken is cooked through and the garlic is fragrant. Chicken is done when the inside is no longer pink and juices run clear.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the chicken bites to a plate and serve hot. They’re perfect with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or rice. Leftovers can be stored for easy lunches throughout the week.

Notes

You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth to brighten the sauce. For a spicy version, include red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re meal prepping, this recipe holds up well in the fridge for 3 days and freezes beautifully for longer storage. To enhance browning, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 298
Sugar: 0.1g
Sodium: 295mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 110mg