Name: Garlic Parmesan 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; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because:

It transforms simple chicken into something restaurant‑worthy with minimal ingredients and effort.
The garlic‑butter sauce plus Parmesan gives a satisfyingly bold savory flavor and a nice crust on each bite.
It cooks quickly—perfect for a weeknight dinner or for impressing guests without stress.
It’s versatile: serve it on its own, alongside pasta, over salad, or with vegetables.

Ingredients

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

Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite‑size pieces
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic, minced or grated
Lemon juice
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped flat‑leaf parsley
Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cut the chicken into roughly 1‑inch pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Toss with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and red pepper flakes so each piece is well coated.
Preheat a heavy skillet (e.g., a 12‑inch cast iron) over medium‑high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (do in batches if necessary so they don’t overcrowd) and let them cook undisturbed for about 3‑4 minutes until a golden crust forms underneath.
Flip the chicken pieces and continue to cook until they’re browned on the other side but not yet fully cooked through.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and garlic to the skillet, tossing the chicken in the garlic‑butter until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp ~165 °F / ~74 °C).
Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley into the skillet, and toss everything together so the cheese melts slightly and coats the chicken bites.
Transfer the chicken bites to a serving plate and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Makes about 4 servings (depending on appetite).
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs for slightly richer flavor and more forgiving texture.
Increase or reduce garlic depending on how garlicky you like it; you can also use garlic powder in a pinch.
For a dairy‑free version, substitute the butter with a dairy‑free buttery spread or a mix of olive oil and vegan butter.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for extra warmth or smokiness.
Serve over pasta tossed in olive oil or marinara, or use it as a topping for a salad (e.g., Caesar or chopped Italian salad).

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4‑5 days.
Freezing: Let fully cool, then freeze in a freezer‑safe container or bag for up to 2‑3 months.
Reheating: If refrigerated, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through (adding a splash of olive oil or butter if needed). In the oven: preheat to ~350 °F (175 °C) and warm for ~10‑12 minutes. Microwaving is possible but may dry out the chicken.

FAQs

What size chicken pieces should I cut?

Cut the chicken into roughly 1‑inch (2.5‑cm) pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes — boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can give a slightly more flavorful and juicy result.

Is it important to use freshly grated Parmesan?

Yes — freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers a stronger, fresher flavor compared to pre‑grated versions.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking: remove chicken once it reaches 165 °F (74 °C) internal temperature, and cook in batches if your skillet is crowded so the pieces can brown properly without steaming.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely — you can sauté vegetables (like broccoli florets, bell peppers or zucchini) in the same skillet after removing the chicken, then toss everything together.

What should I serve this with?

This pairs nicely with pasta tossed in olive oil, a crisp salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken bites ahead, cool them, and store in the fridge. At serving time, reheat gently in a skillet and finish with fresh Parmesan and parsley.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes — if you’re short on fresh garlic, you can use about ½ teaspoon garlic powder in the sauce, though fresh garlic yields the best aroma and flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The recipe uses red pepper flakes for a mild heat. You can omit or reduce them if you prefer no spice, or add more if you like extra kick.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes — the basic recipe has no wheat/gluten in it (assuming your seasoning and cheese are gluten‑free). Just ensure any seasoning blends or Parmesan you use are certified gluten‑free if needed.

Conclusion

This garlic Parmesan chicken bites recipe is a fast, flavorful and satisfying dish that turns everyday chicken into something special. With its crisp golden exterior, garlicky buttery sauce and Parmesan finish, it’s ideal for a weeknight dinner, casual gathering or quick lunch. It’s simple enough to prepare with minimal fuss, but delivers on taste. Give it a try and enjoy a dependable, delicious meal.