These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender and juicy and packed with flavor. And they're done in just 15 minutes, so they're perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
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Why this Recipe Works
These garlic butter chicken nuggets are perfect for those nights when you need a quick and easy dinner but aren't sure what to make. With just a few simple pantry ingredients, they're super simple to prepare, and they cook to a delicious golden brown in around 10 minutes. They're tender and juicy, and coated in a rich and flavorful garlic butter.
This simple weeknight chicken dinner is definitley a family favorite. Pair them with a simple side dish like steamed veggies or my garlic butter green beans, and you can have a complete meal on the table in no time at all!
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken - I use boneless skinless chicken breast in this recipe. You can also use boneless skinless thigh meat if you prefer.
- Garlic - For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic. Store-bought minced garlic will work in a pinch.
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the chicken to a mixing bowl or a large plastic bag and sprinkle the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top, then toss until the chicken is coated.
- Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 Tablespoon of butter. When the butter has melted, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until well browned. Then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter, garlic, and parsley, then cook for another minute, stirring occasionally. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165℉, then serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the chicken with paper towels to dry before tossing them with the flour and seasonings to help them brown.
- Cook the garlic chicken bites in a single layer, and do not distrub them for 3-4 minutes so they get a good golden brown sear. This adds tons of flavor and helps avoid steaming the chicken.
- Be sure to reduce the heat before adding the garlic and butter. You don't want the butter to brown or the garlic to burn.
- For a saucey version, after cooking the chicken, deglaze the pan with ½ cup of chicken broth and a splash of white wine (if desired) or lemon juice. Simmer for 1-2 minutes then pour the sauce over the chicken.
What to Serve with Chicken Bites
This quick and easy chicken dinner is perfect with a simple starchy side like steamed rice or cous cous and a veggie for a complete meal. You can also use them like my Greek Chicken Souvlaki, and add them to a pita wrap. They're also perfect for topping off a salad, or on a bowl of pasta like my homemade creamy alfredo.
Recipe Variations
You can combine many common pantry ingredients to change up the flavor profile of these garlic chicken bites or change out the protein. Some of my favorties are:
- Asian Chicken Bites - Mix ¼ cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of chicken broth, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a small bowl. Cook the chicken bites as directed, but instead of the garlic butter, pour the sauce over the top for the last minute of cooking. This has a similar flavor to my Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry recipe.
- Lemon Chicken Bites - For a bright lemon flavor swap the Italian seasoning with dried oregano and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon (or more if desired) when adding the garlic butter.
- Steak Bites - Try swapping the chicken with chunks of steak. Sirloin or tenderloin are good options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for 7-8 minutes or in the microwave.
Yes, you can use chicken thighs in place of breasts in this recipe. The dark meat may need to cook for another minute to cook through. I recommend using an instant read thermometer to endure they're cooked to 170°F.
More Weeknight Chicken Dinners
📖 Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Add the chicken to a mixing bowl and sprinkle the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top, then toss until the chicken is coated.
- Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 Tablespoon of butter. When the butter has melted, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until well browned. Then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter, garlic, and parsley, then cook for another minute, stirring occasionally. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165℉, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the chicken with paper towels to dry before tossing them with the flour and seasonings to help them brown.
- Cook the garlic chicken bites in a single layer, and do not distrub them for 3-4 minutes so they get a good golden brown sear. This adds tons of flavor and helps avoid steaming the chicken.
- Be sure to reduce the heat before adding the garlic and butter. You don't want the butter to brown or the garlic to burn.
Nutrition
* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.
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