15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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When I’m craving something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, these 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are my go-to. They’re tender, juicy, and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s simply irresistible. Best of all, they come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

I love how versatile these chicken bites are — whether you’re serving them as a main dish, tossing them in a salad, or adding them to pasta, they always deliver bold flavor. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with simple steps.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and juicy chicken is rich and satisfying.
• Versatile: Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or toss them into pasta, rice bowls, or salads.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best results, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook quickly, while chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and flavor. Both work beautifully in this recipe — just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to modify the recipe or use what you have on hand, here are some great alternatives:

• Butter Substitute: Swap the butter for ghee or olive oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Garlic Alternative: If you’re out of fresh garlic, try garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon for every 2 garlic cloves).
• Protein Swap: While chicken is the star, this recipe also works well with shrimp, tofu, or pork bites.
• Herbs & Spices: Feel free to add paprika, Italian seasoning, or a dash of red pepper flakes for extra depth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version that’s still rich in flavor.

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Ingredients for This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces for fast and even cooking. Both options offer juicy, tender results.
• Butter – The key to creating that rich, savory sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic adds bold flavor and fragrance. The more garlic lovers in the room, the better!
• Olive Oil – Helps the chicken develop a gorgeous golden crust while keeping it tender inside.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
• Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of color and freshness to balance the richness of the butter.
• Paprika (Optional) – Provides a smoky depth that enhances the overall flavor.

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture — this helps achieve a better sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).

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Step 2: Heat the Pan

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they sear properly. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

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Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add butter to the empty space. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir the garlic butter into the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.

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Step 4: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the chicken bites with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or as a delicious snack on its own.

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How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

These chicken bites cook quickly! In total, you’ll need about 10-12 minutes:

• 4-5 minutes to sear the chicken until golden brown.
• 30 seconds to cook the garlic in butter.
• 1-2 minutes to combine everything and ensure the chicken is coated in the rich sauce.

Keeping the heat at medium-high during searing and lowering it slightly when adding garlic prevents burning and ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Pat the Chicken Dry: Removing excess moisture helps the chicken develop a nice crust when seared.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches if needed ensures each piece gets evenly golden.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor. Avoid burning it by lowering the heat when adding it to the pan.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Adding parsley at the end brings a bright, fresh contrast to the buttery richness.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the chicken before serving and sprinkle a little extra salt or pepper if needed.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Drying Step: Moist chicken won’t sear properly, leaving you with a less flavorful result. Patting the chicken dry is key.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Too many chicken pieces at once can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast! Adding it too early or on high heat can make it bitter. Lower the heat and cook it gently for the best flavor.
• Undercooking or Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy bites.
• Forgetting the Seasoning: Season the chicken both before and after cooking to enhance flavor.

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What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

1. Fluffy Rice

The buttery sauce pairs beautifully with steamed white or jasmine rice, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For a comforting meal, serve these chicken bites over creamy mashed potatoes.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Crispy roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a great, healthy side.

4. Pasta

Toss these chicken bites into your favorite pasta for a rich and satisfying dish.

5. Fresh Salad

Add the chicken bites to a crisp salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette for a lighter option.

6. Warm Bread or Dinner Rolls

Perfect for mopping up the garlic butter sauce.

7. Quinoa or Couscous

A wholesome, protein-packed base that complements the chicken’s rich flavor.

8. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)

For a low-carb option, toss the chicken bites over zoodles for a healthy, flavorful twist.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover garlic butter chicken bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled chicken bites in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Tip: These chicken bites reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping. Just add your favorite sides for an easy grab-and-go meal.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~2g
• Fat: ~18g
• Fiber: ~0.5g
• Sugar: ~0g

(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken first and pat it dry to ensure proper searing and flavor absorption.

2. What’s the best skillet to use?

A cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan works best for achieving that perfect golden crust.

3. Can I add vegetables to the same pan?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus can be cooked alongside the chicken for a complete one-pan meal.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

Not naturally, but you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer some heat.

5. Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch. Just be mindful that it may cook faster.

6. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just cook the chicken in batches to ensure each piece sears properly without overcrowding the pan.

8. What’s the best way to reheat the chicken bites?

For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil. The microwave can work, but the chicken may lose some of its crispy texture.

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Conclusion

These 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the ultimate combination of quick, easy, and flavor-packed goodness. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or preparing a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s perfect for busy days or when you’re craving something savory and satisfying. Enjoy!

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