Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Fast and easy — ready in under 20 minutes
Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor
Versatile — pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables

Ingredients

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

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt
Black pepper
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves, chopped
Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into approximately 1½‑inch pieces. Pat dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
Heat the skillet: Place a large (ideally 12‑inch) skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and allow it to melt and begin sizzling.
Sear the chicken: Add the chicken bites in a single layer. Without stirring, let them sear until well‑browned on one side and about two‑thirds cooked through, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F / 74°C).
Cook the garlic: Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl. Reduce heat to medium‑low and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Add the chopped garlic and cook, stirring to loosen browned bits, until fragrant and just cooked through (about 2–3 minutes).
Combine and serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes

Variations

Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat
Stir in spinach or kale during the last minute for a green boost
Swap parsley for fresh basil or chives
Serve over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or zucchini noodles

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or a bit more butter if needed to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and brown beautifully, but you can substitute chicken breasts if preferred.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, but using butter enhances the flavor and contributes to the rich garlic buttery sauce.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook garlic over medium‑low heat and stir frequently; remove from heat once it’s fragrant and tender.

Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely — herbs like thyme, oregano, or a dash of red pepper flakes add depth of flavor.

What can I serve with these chicken bites?

They’re great with pasta, rice, steamed vegetables, or on top of a fresh green salad.

Is this dish kid‑friendly?

Yes — the mild garlic butter sauce appeals to most palates, but you can adjust seasonings as needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken ahead and reheat later, though it’s best served fresh for optimal texture.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Cook until the pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Yes, quick‑cooking vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes can be added near the end of cooking.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Thaw completely before cooking to ensure even searing and proper cooking.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce in mere minutes. Its simplicity makes it a perfect go‑to weeknight dinner, yet its flavor feels special enough for guests. Enjoy it with your favorite sides or get creative with herbs and seasonings to make it your own.