Ever notice how the scent of sizzling garlic hits you like a memory? This garlic butter chicken bites recipe brings that warm, buttery aroma straight to your kitchen—and it’s blowing up on Pinterest for good reason. Easy prep, newbie-friendly, one skillet. Total cozy in 20 minutes.
It’s a cozy snack that tastes like a hug in chicken form. Chicken breast, butter, garlic—boom. Pantry staples, nothing weird. Like Grandma’s Sunday chicken nuggets, only sexier (and faster). Full details in the blog!
Learned this one in my mom’s kitchen—her tiny one with the whistling tea kettle and sticky notes on the fridge. We keep recipes simple, tested, and no fancy gadgets in sight. I added a twist with herbs and lemon at the end. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving something quick, cozy, and downright delicious, garlic butter chicken bites have you covered. Juicy, golden seared chicken wrapped in buttery garlic goodness? Yes, please. It’s an all-in-one recipe that works as a weeknight snack, easy dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and ready in just 20 minutes! The rich, garlicky flavor feels like comfort food, but the fresh herbs and quick prep keep it light and manageable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the family, this dish is the perfect go-to when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
What You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things super simple with just a handful of accessible ingredients—no fancy sauces or gadgets needed. You’ll need:
20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp each of dried oregano, basil, and sweet paprika
½ tsp salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Pro Tip: Make sure your chicken is patted dry before starting—this helps it sear beautifully and keeps the dish from getting soggy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Slice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Toss them with flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes on one side without touching—it’s all about those golden, crispy edges! Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes or until cooked through.
Step 3: Melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (not browned). Toss the chicken back in to coat it in that dreamy garlic butter, then finish with freshly chopped parsley. Done!
Pro Tips for Success
Keep it juicy: Don’t overcook those chicken bites! Pull them from the skillet as soon as they’re no longer pink inside. Overcooking can dry them out fast.
Avoid bitter garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so keep it on low heat when melting the butter, and stir constantly to avoid burning.
Custom salt: Butter already adds a touch of saltiness, so adjust to taste at the end rather than over-salting upfront.
Quick Cooking Timeline
Step
Time
Prep chicken & toss with seasoning
5 minutes
Cook chicken (sear both sides)
8 minutes
Garlic butter sauce & finishing
3–5 minutes
How to Dress It Up or Store It
This recipe is as versatile as it gets. For a heartier option, serve these garlic butter chicken bites over warm rice, twirl them into a bowl of pasta, or toss them on top of a fresh green salad. Looking for a party snack? Serve them with toothpicks and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bright pop of flavor.
Want to tweak it? Add a little spice with a sprinkle of chili flakes, or drizzle with a touch of honey for a sweet-savory kick. Just don’t skip the parsley—it brings lightness to all that garlicky richness!
Leftover tip: Stash any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep them juicy.
Garlic butter chicken bites are a perfect example of how simple ingredients and quick techniques create flavorful results. Using high heat to sear small chicken pieces locks in moisture while the butter and garlic infuse rich, savory notes. This one-pan method ensures even cooking and easy cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
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A Little Kitchen Nostalgia
One evening, rushing to get dinner on the table, I whipped up these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in just 15 minutes. The rich garlic aroma filled the kitchen, and seeing my family dive in so eagerly reminded me why simple, flavorful meals mean the most. It’s become a quick favorite for busy weeknights!
To make garlic butter chicken bites, start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Then, cook them in a hot skillet with butter, garlic, and your favorite herbs until golden and fully cooked. It’s a quick one-pan dish that takes just about 15 minutes to prepare and is packed with buttery, garlicky flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking and a juicy result. Cooking from frozen can cause the chicken bites to steam rather than brown, which affects the texture and flavor. For best results, thaw your chicken overnight in the fridge before cooking.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken bites?
Garlic butter chicken bites pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a healthier twist, try serving them alongside a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. The buttery garlic sauce adds richness that complements simple sides perfectly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This garlic butter chicken bites recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free butter and avoid adding any sauces or seasonings containing gluten. It’s a safe and tasty option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How do I store leftover garlic butter chicken bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the chicken tender and the buttery flavor intact. For longer storage, freeze the bites in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months.
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Wrapping Up Your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
You’ll love how these garlic butter chicken bites come together—juicy, tender, and bursting with buttery garlic goodness in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or casual meal when you want big flavor without fuss. Easy enough for busy weeknights, cozy enough to feel like a hug from the kitchen.
Try swapping fresh thyme or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle twist. Leftovers keep well—just reheat gently to keep every bite juicy. A dash of chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon brightens things up too, a little trick I learned from a seasoned cook friend.
Did this recipe bring back any cozy family dinner memories? I’d love to see your versions or hear your favorite garlic-packed snacks! Share your photos or pass this on to someone who appreciates simple, homemade goodness. Happy cooking, friends—this one’s a keeper.
Delicious and easy garlic butter chicken bites that make a perfect snack or appetizer. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with herbs and spices for a mouthwatering treat.
20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped
Method
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dried oregano, dried basil, sweet paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken bites to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken bites.
Serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain flavor and tenderness.
