Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy prep & cook time – many recipes come together in 15–25 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
Simple ingredients – basic kitchen staples like chicken, garlic, butter, flour/cornstarch, herbs, and seasoning.
Versatile and crowd‑pleasing – can be served over pasta, rice, potatoes, or as shareable bites for gatherings.
Customizable flavor – easily adapt with lemon juice, fresh parsley, cornstarch for crispiness, or seasoning blends like Italian or lemon‑pepper.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Flour (all‑purpose) or cornstarch (for a crispier finish)
Salt & black pepper
Garlic powder (optional; enhances flavor)
Olive oil
Butter
Fresh garlic cloves, minced
Optional: Italian seasoning, lemon‑pepper seasoning, fresh parsley, lemon juice

Directions

Prep the chicken
- Cut chicken into 1–1½‑in pieces. Pat dry, then season and coat with flour or cornstarch, plus salt, pepper, and optional garlic or Italian seasoning.
Sear the chicken
- Heat oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium‑high heat in a large skillet.
- Add chicken in a single layer; cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165 °F).
Make the garlic butter sauce
- Reduce heat to medium‑low. Remove chicken to a plate.
- In pan, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant—stir in browned bits. For variation, deglaze with wine or stock and finish with lemon juice.
Combine and serve
- Return chicken to pan, toss in sauce until well-coated. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, squeeze lemon if desired, and serve immediately.

Recipe Card

Serve 3–4 bites per person as a main dish or 6–8 as an appetizer.
Full quantities and timings follow standard versions.

Servings and timing

Yield: 3–4 servings (depending on portion size)
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: 6–15 minutes (varies with recipe version)
Total time: 15–25 minutes depending on method and pace

Variations

Chicken thighs offer richer flavor and stay juicy—cook ~1 min longer per side.
Crispy coating: swap flour for cornstarch for extra crunch.
Lemon‑butter twist: add lemon‑pepper seasoning or fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.
Wine or stock deglaze: splash in white wine or chicken stock after searing to deepen sauce flavor.
Extra heat: sprinkle in red pepper flakes when cooking garlic.

Storage/reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for ~3 months; texture will soften a bit.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium or microwave—avoid high heat to prevent drying.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes—boneless, skinless thighs work great. Cook them about a minute longer per side for full doneness.

2. What’s the benefit of cornstarch versus flour?

Cornstarch yields a crispier crust and helps the butter sauce cling better.

3. How do I get a good sear on the chicken?

Cook in a hot pan with little movement for 3‑4 minutes per side; avoid overcrowding the pan.

4. What’s the deglazing step?

After chicken is removed, add wine or stock and scrape browned bits from the pan for deeper sauce flavor.

5. Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes—use cornstarch or potato flour instead of all‑purpose flour.

6. Is 15 minutes really enough to prepare this?

Yes—Cooking Classy versions cook in 15 minutes; others take up to 25 depending on seasoning and sides.

7. How do I prevent burnt garlic?

Cook garlic on medium‑low and remove just when fragrant; avoid high heat once garlic is added.

8. Can this be turned into an appetizer?

Absolutely—serve bite‑sized portions on toothpicks over a platter with lemon wedges.

9. What’s a good side dish pairing?

Serve with couscous, pasta, mashed potatoes, bread for dipping, or steamed/sautéed vegetables.

10. Can I add more herbs or spice?

Yes—Italian seasoning, parsley, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest all enhance flavor options.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delectable and effortless dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. With quick cooking time, pantry-friendly ingredients, and tons of customization, it’s easy to elevate your dinner rotation or impress guests. Try the classic, lemony, or crispy-styled versions—once you find your favorite, it’ll become a go-to staple. Enjoy!