Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is everything you want in a weeknight meal—quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The chicken is seasoned simply and cooked quickly, while the garlic butter adds richness and depth. It’s a one-pan recipe, making cleanup a breeze, and it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free. These garlic butter chicken bites are perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even as a high-protein snack.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: lemon wedges for serving

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

Directions

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden.
Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy version.
Herbed Butter: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the butter for extra flavor.
Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the butter sauce for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
Cheesy Garlic Bites: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken before serving for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a little butter or water to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work perfectly for this recipe. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would with chicken breasts.

What can I serve with garlic butter chicken bites?

These bites pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed veggies, or a crisp green salad. They’re also great with cauliflower rice or zoodles for a low-carb option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the garlic butter sauce just before serving.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without the garlic butter sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss with freshly made garlic butter sauce before serving.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcrowding the pan and cook the chicken over medium-high heat to sear and lock in the juices. Don’t overcook—chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the ultimate quick and easy dinner recipe. With bold, buttery garlic flavor and juicy chicken, this dish is a guaranteed hit with minimal effort. Perfect for any day of the week, these bites are versatile, satisfying, and ready in no time. Whip up a batch tonight and enjoy a flavorful meal that the whole family will love!