Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

It comes together in just about 15 minutes — minimal prep, fast cook time.
Uses basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Delivers big flavor: buttery, garlicky, herby — simple but satisfying.
Flexible enough to pair with many sides (pasta, couscous, veggies) or adapt easily for what you have.

Ingredients

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

Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ~1¼‑inch pieces
All‑purpose flour
Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil (refined, not extra‑virgin)
Unsalted butter (salted will work if needed)
Fresh garlic, minced
Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions

Heat a 12‑inch non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat.
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help with browning.
Toss the chicken with flour, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper until evenly coated.
In the hot skillet add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Tilt the pan to coat.
Add the chicken in an even layer (allow space between pieces so they brown rather than steam). Cook for about 3 minutes until the bottom is nicely golden brown, then flip and cook a further ~2 minutes until nearly cooked through.
Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter (in small pieces), garlic and parsley. Cook for about 1 minute longer until chicken reaches 165 °F (or is no longer pink inside).
Serve immediately, drizzled with the buttery garlic sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3 (or 4 if serving smaller portions)
Prep time: ~9 minutes
Cook time: ~6 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes

Variations

Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts; trim visible fat and cook about 1 minute longer for fully cooked thighs.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end for a bright citrusy finish.
Swap in other fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary) in place of parsley for a different aroma.
Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a bit of heat or smokiness.
Serve over pasta tossed with Parmesan, or stir the chicken into steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, place gently in a skillet over low–medium heat, cover briefly until heated through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has dried. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring halfway.
Avoid reheating at very high heat for long times (to preserve the tenderness of the chicken and keep the butter sauce from separating).

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts are used here for their lean texture and quick cooking. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs—just trim visible fat and plan to cook them about 1 minute longer.

Do I need to flour the chicken?

Yes—the light flour coating with Italian seasoning helps the chicken develop a golden brown crust, which adds texture and flavor. Skipping this step may lead to less browning and a softer surface.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken pieces (cut and dry) and toss with flour and seasonings ahead of time, but for best texture, cook right before serving so you keep the crisp crust and fresh sauce.

What sides go well with this dish?

This chicken is very versatile. Good options include: lemon couscous, pasta (especially with butter or light sauce), steamed or sautéed vegetables (asparagus, zucchini, broccoli), or crusty bread to mop up the buttery sauce.

Is fresh garlic necessary?

Yes—fresh minced garlic provides the most vibrant flavor. Pre‑minced garlic in a jar may suffice in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

How can I add more herb flavor?

Simply double the amount of fresh parsley used. For even more herbal depth, you could add chopped fresh thyme or rosemary toward the end of cooking.

Can I bake this instead of pan‑searing?

It’s possible, but the browning and buttery garlic sauce are optimized for stovetop cooking. Baking may result in less intense browning and slightly different texture.

What if I want a gluten‑free version?

You can substitute the all‑purpose flour with a gluten‑free flour blend (suitable for coating) or even almond flour, but note texture and browning may vary slightly.

How to make it less rich or lower calorie?

Use a slightly smaller amount of butter or replace half the butter with a high‑quality olive oil. Serve with lots of steamed veggies and a modest portion of chicken.

How to know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165 °F (74 °C). Alternatively, cut one piece in half and ensure it’s no longer pink in the center and juices run clear.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients you likely already have, and delivers big on flavor, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is a winner. It’s crispy, savory, garlicky and buttery — and easily adaptable. Whether you toss it over pasta, serve alongside veggies, or pair it with bread to soak up the sauce, it’s a dependable go‑to. Enjoy making it your own and delighting in a fast, satisfying meal.