Name: 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | Easy One-Pan Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

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15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delightful solution for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Juicy chicken bites are coated in a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce that makes each piece pop with flavor. The best part? This dish comes together in just 15 minutes in one handy skillet, making cleanup a breeze!

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

I stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic week when takeout was starting to feel too routine. After concocting this dish, I quickly understood why it became a go-to in our home. The crunchy crust outside, the savory garlic aroma, and the tender chicken enhance any meal. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, hosting a gathering, or indulging in a quick treat, these bites are an unbeatable option. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this meal in just 15 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: The garlic and butter create a mouthwatering sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Rustic chicken bites look as delightful on the plate as they taste.
Flexible Serving: Great as a snack, appetizer, or a hearty main course with sides.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free needs by swapping out regular flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tenderness and moisture. Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
2 tbsp all-purpose flour: This will help create a slight crust when the chicken is cooked, enhancing texture. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch.
½ tsp dried oregano: Offers a warm, aromatic flavor to balance the richness of the garlic butter.
½ tsp dried basil: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous note to the dish.
½ tsp sweet paprika: For a dash of color and a slight hint of sweetness, complementing the other spices.
½ tsp salt: Brings out all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to taste, especially if using broth instead.
Freshly ground pepper to taste: Adds a kick that enhances the garlic butter sauce.
1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing to add extra flavor. You can also use avocado oil or any other cooking oil you prefer.
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided: Essential for that rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness.
3 garlic cloves, minced: The heart of the recipe! Fresh garlic gives a bold flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped: For garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish.

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

Prepare the chicken: Start by drying the 20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) chicken breasts with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear! Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, which helps them cook quickly and evenly.

Season the chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried basil, ½ tsp sweet paprika, ½ tsp salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste until they’re well coated. This not only adds flavor but creates a lovely crust during cooking.

Heat the skillet: Grab a large cast iron skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Wait for the oil to shimmer and for the butter to melt—this indicates it’s hot enough to sear the chicken.

Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the skillet, making sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until they develop a nice golden crust. Then, flip the pieces and cook for another 2 minutes until they are browned and fully cooked through.

Add flavor: It’s time to amp up that flavor! Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley. Stir everything together and cook for one more minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is fully coated in that luscious garlic butter.

Serve: Scoop the delicious chicken bites onto plates and serve immediately while hot! Pair them with your favorite sides such as rice, pasta, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the chicken bites to cool and place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for a couple of hours or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 60 seconds or until warmed through. Just note that the texture may slightly change upon freezing—giving them a quick toss in a pan with a little butter can help revive that delightful garlic flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To prevent the chicken from sticking, ensure the oil and butter are hot before adding the chicken.
If you want a crispy exterior, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken.
You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh really brings out the best flavor.
Experiment with herbs! Fresh thyme or rosemary also work beautifully in this recipe.
Make ahead by prepping the chicken and coating it with the seasonings in advance; just cook it when you’re ready.

The 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for busy evenings when you want a home-cooked meal but have little time. The combination of tender chicken coated in rich garlic butter will surely win over both family and friends. Feel free to switch things up with side dishes or veggies, and enjoy the comfort of a good meal that transports you right into relaxation mode. I encourage you to take this delightful recipe and make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative. Just remember they might take an extra minute or two to cook through since they’re a bit denser.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can easily replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. The flavor will still be delicious!

What sides pair well with this dish?

These chicken bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them with a side of rice, a light salad, roasted veggies, or even pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic for a complete meal.

Can I use frozen chicken?

While fresh chicken provides the best texture, you can use frozen chicken breast. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even doneness, and be aware that it might take a bit longer.