15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delightful shortcut for busy weeknights. These tender morsels are enveloped in a golden garlic butter sauce, making them irresistible to everyone at the dinner table. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, this dish comes together in a flash. Imagine the scent of garlic wafting through your kitchen, bringing family and friends flocking for a taste. This easy one-pan recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also frees up your time to enjoy the moment.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | Easy One-Pan Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | Easy One-Pan Recipe

15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | Easy One-Pan Recipe

When I first tried this recipe, I was taken aback by how something so simple could yield such rich flavors. The chicken bites are seared until crisp on the outside while remaining juicy inside, making each bite a perfect blend of textures. Plus, with only one pan to clean, it’s a win-win for both taste and convenience! So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, parsley, and butter creates a dish that’s stuffed with deliciousness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These golden chicken bites are sure to impress, making them great for dinner parties or family meals.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them alone or serve with rice, pasta, or a salad for a complete meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by substituting the flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

20 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish provides protein and substance. You can substitute with chicken thighs if preferred, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
2 tbsp all-purpose flour: This is used to coat the chicken, giving it a nice crust when cooked. For gluten-free options, consider using cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
½ tsp dried oregano: Adds a lovely earthy flavor that complements the butter and garlic beautifully.
½ tsp dried basil: A fragrant herb that brightens the dish; fresh basil can be swapped in for a more intense flavor, but you’ll need to use a bit more.
½ tsp sweet paprika: This gives the chicken a bit of color and a mild, peppery flavor.
½ tsp salt & freshly ground pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
1 tbsp olive oil: A great choice for cooking since it helps to achieve a crispy exterior.
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided: This adds richness and a buttery flavor; use a high-quality butter for the best results.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic kick and depth of flavor.
2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish; feel free to substitute with chives or basil based on what you have.

How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | Easy One-Pan Recipe

Prepare the chicken: Start by drying the 20 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a paper towel. Then, cut them into 1-inch pieces ensuring they cook evenly.

Season the chicken: Transfer the chicken pieces to a bowl and sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, ½ teaspoon of sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add freshly ground pepper to taste, and toss until the chicken is well-coated in the seasoned flour.

Heat the skillet: Grab a large cast iron skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Wait until the oil is shimmering and the butter is melted before adding the chicken.

Cook the chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet, cooking without moving them for about 3 minutes, this allows them to develop a nice golden crust. After 3 minutes, flip them over and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they are golden and cooked through.

Add flavor: Toss the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into the skillet along with 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. Stir everything together and cook for one more minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance and the chicken to soak up all that delicious butter.

Serve: Serve the chicken bites immediately while hot. They are best enjoyed straight from the pan, whether on their own or alongside your favorite sides like fluffy rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftover chicken bites, let them cool and transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours or refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the microwave or a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, but a splash of water or broth can help refresh the moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken, as this can lead to steaming instead of browning.
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken pieces with the seasoning for an hour before cooking.
Use fresh garlic, as it offers a more vibrant flavor than pre-minced versions.
Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference—if you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove!
If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some spice.

These tender and flavorful bites are not only impressive but also delightfully simple to make. The richness of the garlic butter, paired with perfectly cooked chicken, means you have a dish that’s bound to satisfy any crowd.

Don’t hesitate to mix things up and add your own flair, whether it’s trying different herbs or serving suggestions. Each batch can be a new adventure in flavor! Enjoy this quick, easy dish, and watch your family gather around the table with smiles on their faces!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking. For quicker cooking, you can use smaller pieces of chicken instead of whole breasts.

What sides pair well with garlic butter chicken bites?

These chicken bites are versatile and pair wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also make great accompaniments!

Can I prep the chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and season the chicken ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This can help save time during the weeknight rush.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is considered fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy or ensure the inside is no longer pink when you cut it open.

More Main Dishes Recipes

Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | Easy One-Pan Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Peter
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are packed with flavor and quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that your family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

20 oz ( 1 ¼ lbs ) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with flour, basil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper; toss until well coated.
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Once hot, place the chicken in a single layer.
Cook for about 3 minutes without moving, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and parsley; cook for one more minute until the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve immediately while hot, either alone or with sides such as rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a complete meal.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.