Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a savory and easy-to-make dish that has become a family favorite for many. Packed with juicy chicken, rich garlic, and buttery goodness, this recipe delivers a delicious flavor combination that's hard to resist. Whether you're making a quick weeknight meal, a tasty snack, or an appetizer for your next dinner party, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a perfect choice. Follow this recipe to learn how to make mouthwatering chicken bites, and stick around for all the tips, tricks, and variations to take your dish to the next level!

What Are Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are small, bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a rich mixture of butter, garlic, and seasonings. The chicken is typically seared in a hot pan, allowing it to develop a crispy golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The garlic butter sauce coats each bite with a luxurious flavor, making it an irresistible dish. This simple yet delicious recipe can be served on its own or paired with sides like rice, pasta, or veggies, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
To create these delicious chicken bites, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided into two parts)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (for a zesty finish)
Additional Ingredients for Flavor
Here are some additional ingredients you can use to add more complexity and depth to the dish:
- 2 teaspoons onion powder (for extra savory flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (to sprinkle over the chicken before serving)
- White wine or chicken broth (for deglazing the pan and creating a richer sauce)
Substitutions and Variations
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is highly versatile, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Chicken: If you're not a fan of chicken breast, you can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. You can also use turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
- Butter: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil, coconut oil, or a vegan butter alternative.
- Garlic: If you're out of fresh garlic, garlic powder works as a substitute. However, for the best flavor, fresh garlic is highly recommended.
- Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like cumin, cayenne pepper, or herbs de Provence to put your spin on the dish.
- Lemon Juice: For a different acidic twist, you can use lime juice or even a splash of vinegar instead of lemon.
- Vegetables: You can toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a simple process, but to ensure the best results, follow these step-by-step instructions carefully:
- Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so that they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior during cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and any other preferred seasonings like onion powder or Italian herbs.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and become foamy, but be careful not to let it burn.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan.
- Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer the pieces to a plate and set them aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will become bitter.
- Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If you want to create a more luxurious sauce, you can deglaze the pan by adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which adds incredible flavor to the sauce.
- Return the Chicken to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce until well-coated. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve Hot: Your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are now ready to serve. Enjoy them hot, with your choice of side dishes.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken Bites doesn't require any fancy techniques, but paying attention to a few key steps can make a big difference in the final result. Here's a quick recap of the process:
- Cut the chicken evenly to ensure all pieces cook at the same rate.
- Season generously with your preferred herbs and spices to maximize flavor.
- Sear the chicken in a hot pan with oil and butter for a crispy exterior.
- Cook in batches if needed, so the pan isn't overcrowded, which would prevent browning.
- Make a simple garlic butter sauce with fresh garlic and butter for a rich, savory finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are easy to make, there are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcrowding the pan: This will cause the chicken to steam instead of searing, leading to less crispy bites.
- Cooking at too low a heat: You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the chicken, so don't start with a cold pan.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so be sure to lower the heat when cooking it in butter.
- Using too much lemon juice: While a little lemon adds brightness, too much can overpower the garlic butter flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when it comes to making your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites look as delicious as they taste. Here are some ideas to impress your guests:
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- On a bed of rice: Serve the chicken bites on top of fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal.
- With pasta: Toss the chicken bites in your favorite pasta, along with a bit of the garlic butter sauce.
- As an appetizer: Spear each chicken bite with a toothpick and serve them as a finger food at parties or gatherings.
- With veggies: Pair the chicken bites with sautéed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Garnish with parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and added freshness.
- Serve with lemon wedges: Arrange some lemon wedges around the plate so guests can add extra brightness to their bites.
- Use a nice serving dish: Present the chicken bites on a beautiful platter to elevate the dish, especially for special occasions.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe Tips
- Use fresh garlic: The flavor of fresh garlic is irreplaceable in this dish. Avoid jarred garlic for the best taste.
- Don’t skimp on butter: Butter is key to achieving the rich, savory flavor in this recipe, so don’t try to cut back too much.
- Preheat the pan: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get that perfect golden-brown sear.
- Try marinating the chicken: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken pieces in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil, coconut oil, or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them. Just make sure to let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in a skillet or oven.
What sides go well with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Great sides include rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy dish that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can whip up a meal that's sure to impress. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer or a main course, these chicken bites are always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and feel free to get creative with substitutions and variations to suit your tastes!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy chicken pieces seasoned with garlic, herbs, and cooked in a flavorful butter sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (cubed)
- Garlic
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of garlic to taste.
- Serve with rice, veggies, or pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
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