Last Updated on December 9, 2025 by Chef Josie
Garlic butter chicken bites are one of the easiest and most satisfying chicken recipes you can make on a busy weeknight. Juicy pieces of chicken seared to golden perfection, tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, and finished with fresh herbs. This dish is simple, comforting, versatile, and incredibly fast. Whether you need quick dinner ideas, healthy dinner recipes, or lazy dinners that still taste amazing, garlic butter chicken bites are the answer.
This dish uses everyday ingredients but creates restaurant style flavor in less than 20 minutes. It is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without requiring heavy ingredients or complicated steps. The chicken remains tender, the garlic butter sauce coats every bite, and the final garnish of parsley or green onions brightens the whole dish. It is everything people love about simple chicken recipes.
Garlic butter chicken bites also work beautifully with different cuts of chicken. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs, chicken tenders, or chicken breast. Each one offers slightly different texture and flavor, so you can choose what fits your meal plan. Even those searching for baked chicken recipes or easy air fryer recipes can adapt this dish to their preferences.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know, from ingredients to step by step instructions, cooking tips, variations, side dish ideas, and how to store leftovers. By the end, you will have a go to recipe for garlic butter chicken bites that you can rely on again and again.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy seared chicken coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in minutes and perfect for simple chicken recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Cut chicken into small cubes.
- Season with spices, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden.
- Lower heat. Add butter and garlic. Stir until fragrant.
- Toss chicken in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with herbs and serve.
Notes
Add lemon juice for brightness.
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Do not burn the garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 per serving
Why You Will Love These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
A fast dinner recipe that still tastes incredible
Garlic, butter, and tender chicken come together in minutes. It truly is one of the best quick dinner ideas for nights when time feels tight.
Only simple ingredients
You probably already have everything in your kitchen. Butter, garlic, spices, and chicken are all you need for big flavor.
Perfect for meal prep
These chicken bites reheat well, making them ideal for healthy dinner meals or lunches throughout the week.
Works with multiple cuts of chicken
Boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes create juicy bites. Chicken tenders give a mild family friendly version. Chicken breast keeps it lean and fits many healthy dinner recipes.
Pairs with almost anything
Rice, pasta, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salads, or even wraps. The possibilities are endless.
A kid friendly option
The buttery garlic flavor appeals to everyone, and the bite sized pieces make eating easy and fun.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Chicken
Chicken breast or chicken thighs both work. Breast cooks quickly and stays lean, while thighs stay extra juicy. Chicken tender recipes also adapt perfectly.
Butter
Butter creates the base of the sauce. It caramelizes the edges of the chicken and gives the dish richness.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor. Garlic powder can be added for even more depth.
Seasonings
Salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning help brown the chicken and give savory balance.
Olive oil
Used with butter to create a high heat cooking environment that prevents burning.
Fresh herbs
Parsley, basil, or green onions add freshness and contrast the buttery sauce.
Optional additions
Lemon juice for brightness, chili flakes for heat, or grated parmesan for richness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Step 1 Cut the chicken
Slice the chicken into evenly sized cubes. This helps it cook quickly and brown beautifully.
Step 2 Season generously
Coat the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This step builds the foundation of flavor.
Step 3 Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook without stirring at first to allow browning. Flip and cook until golden.
Step 4 Add the garlic butter
Lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic. Stir as the butter melts. The garlic will soften and infuse the chicken.
Step 5 Add herbs and finish cooking
Once the garlic butter thickens slightly, remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley or green onion.
Step 6 Serve immediately
Serve over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Dry the chicken before cooking
Moisture prevents browning. Patting the chicken dry creates crisp edges.
Use high heat at the beginning
This step gives the chicken a good sear.
Avoid overcrowding the pan
Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
Do not burn the garlic
Add garlic only after lowering the heat. Garlic burns quickly.
Add lemon for brightness
A squeeze of lemon enhances the buttery sauce.
Try different herbs
Cilantro, basil, parsley, chives, or thyme all pair beautifully.
Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Serve with carbs
• White or brown rice
• Buttered noodles
• Mashed potatoes
• Quinoa
• Garlic bread
Serve with vegetables
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Zucchini
• Cauliflower mash
• Side salad
Make it low carb
• Serve with cauliflower rice
• Serve with sautéed greens
• Pair with roasted asparagus
Turn it into meal prep
Portion into containers with rice and vegetables. Add lemon on the side.
Use leftovers creatively
• Stuff into wraps
• Add over salads
• Toss into quick pasta
• Layer into sandwiches
Variations
Spicy garlic butter chicken bites
Add chili flakes, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Lemon garlic chicken bites
Add lemon zest and extra lemon juice.
Parmesan garlic chicken bites
Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan during the last minute of cooking.
Honey garlic butter chicken bites
Add one tablespoon of honey to create a glazed finish.
Air fryer garlic butter chicken bites
Air fry seasoned chicken at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, then toss in melted garlic butter.
Baked garlic butter chicken bites
Bake seasoned chicken at 425 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, then coat with garlic butter.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to four days.
Freezer
Freeze leftovers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or butter to keep the chicken moist.
Why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Are a Must Try
This recipe checks every box for the perfect weeknight dinner. It is fast, flexible, comforting, and uses simple ingredients. The golden seared chicken absorbs buttery garlic flavor, creating a dish that feels special even when you are cooking on autopilot after a long day. Garlic butter chicken bites prove that healthy dinner recipes and simple chicken recipes can still be exciting and deeply flavorful.
Once you try these chicken bites, you will find yourself making them again and again. They are delicious on their own, adaptable to nearly any side dish, and satisfying for both kids and adults. No complicated techniques, no long ingredient list, just pure flavor and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs
Yes. Thighs stay juicier and are perfect for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy free
Use olive oil instead of butter.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out
Do not overcook and cut evenly sized cubes.
Can I add vegetables
Yes. Broccoli, zucchini, or spinach can be added directly to the skillet.
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