15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Easy One-Pan Recipe

When you’re short on time but still want a delicious, satisfying meal, this 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is your answer. Juicy, tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, making every bite utterly irresistible. The best part? It’s all made in just one pan, which means minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

These chicken bites are packed with flavor thanks to the combination of garlic, butter, and a touch of seasoning. Whether you serve them with rice, pasta, or a side of veggies, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

Ready to whip up a quick, flavorful dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Here are just a few reasons why this dish will become a favorite in your kitchen:

1. Quick and Easy:
   Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
2. One-Pan Convenience:
   Everything is cooked in a single skillet, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
3. Incredibly Flavorful:
   The garlic butter sauce is rich, savory, and perfectly coats the chicken for a burst of flavor in every bite.
4. Versatile:
   Serve these chicken bites over rice, pasta, or a salad, or pair them with roasted vegetables for a low-carb option. You can also add your favorite herbs or spices to make the recipe your own.
5. Family-Friendly:
   Even picky eaters will love the buttery, garlicky goodness of this dish. It’s simple yet packed with flavor.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken Breast or Thighs

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work best for this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.

2. Garlic

• Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe. Use 3–4 cloves, minced, to infuse the butter with bold, aromatic flavor.

3. Butter

• Unsalted butter creates the rich, velvety sauce that coats the chicken. If you use salted butter, adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe.

4. Olive Oil

• A small amount of olive oil is used to sear the chicken, preventing the butter from burning during cooking.

5. Seasonings

• Salt, black pepper, and paprika add flavor to the chicken. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

6. Fresh Parsley (Optional)

• Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the butter.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in 15 Minutes

This recipe is as easy as it is quick. Follow these simple steps for perfect chicken bites every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Cut the chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (avoid browning the garlic).

Step 4: Combine and Serve

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish, then serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over fluffy rice or protein-packed quinoa for a complete meal.
• Pasta: Toss the chicken bites with cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water for a creamy garlic butter pasta.
• Low-Carb Options: Pair with roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.
• Crusty Bread: Use bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce—it’s too good to waste!

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

1. Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensure the chicken is dry before seasoning and cooking for the best sear.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of searing.
3. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor. Jarred garlic or garlic powder won’t have the same impact.
4. Adjust the Heat: Keep the heat at medium when making the sauce to prevent the butter and garlic from burning.
5. Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Add rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor.

15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is a quick and easy one-pan dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s versatile, flavorful, and loved by the whole family.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1-2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

 

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
• Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for variety.
• Add Veggies: Toss in green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for a complete one-pan meal.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder if you like a bit of heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 8mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.03gVitamin A: 386IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg

Keyword Stovetop

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