There’s something magical about a simple dish that delivers big, bold flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly what you get with these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites—tender, juicy chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection and drenched in an irresistible garlic butter sauce.

Whether you need a quick dinner, a protein-packed meal-prep option, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is your answer. The combination of buttery richness, fragrant garlic, and lightly seasoned chicken creates a dish that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. Plus, you only need one pan and 30 minutes to make it happen.

I first made these chicken bites on a weeknight when I was short on time but still wanted something homemade and delicious. After one bite, I knew I had a keeper—juicy, buttery, garlicky goodness in every bite. Since then, this dish has become a household favorite, especially when I need something quick yet flavor-packed.

If you love garlic, butter, and tender chicken, get ready to fall in love with this easy, crowd-pleasing dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick & Easy: Just 30 minutes from start to finish. Minimal prep and simple steps mean you can whip this up on even the busiest nights.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean easier cleanup. Everything comes together in one skillet, making cooking stress-free.
Loaded with Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter gives the chicken a rich, savory depth, while simple seasonings enhance its natural juiciness.
Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved: The mild buttery flavor makes this a favorite with kids and adults alike.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, over rice or pasta, with vegetables, or even as a salad topper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this garlic butter chicken bites recipe, you only need a handful of pantry staples:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning)
½ tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Juice of ½ a lemon (optional, for a fresh finish)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely instead of steaming.
Season with salt, black pepper, paprika (if using), and dried herbs. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Heat the Pan

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).

3. Sear the Chicken

Cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring to allow a golden-brown crust to form.
Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 75°C).
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 tbsp butter to the same pan.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in remaining 2 tbsp butter and let it melt completely.

5. Coat the Chicken in Garlic Butter

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce.
Cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring well so every piece is coated in that delicious buttery goodness.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a hint of brightness (optional but highly recommended).

6. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures even browning instead of steaming.
Use fresh garlic – It gives the best, most intense flavor. Pre-minced garlic won’t have the same punch.
Use high-quality butter – A good-quality butter (like grass-fed) makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Let the chicken rest before serving – This helps lock in juices and keeps every bite moist and tender.
Customize the herbs & spices – Feel free to experiment with oregano, rosemary, or even a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken – Since the chicken is cut into small pieces, it cooks quickly. Overcooking can make it dry.
Burning the garlic – Garlic cooks fast, so keep the heat low when adding it to the butter.
Skipping the seasoning – A little salt, pepper, and herbs go a long way in enhancing the flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

With Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or grilled zucchini.
With Rice or Quinoa: The garlic butter sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa.
With Pasta: Toss with spaghetti or linguine for a quick garlic butter chicken pasta.
As a Salad Topper: Add protein to a fresh Caesar salad, Greek salad, or mixed greens.
With Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken bites in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or butter to prevent drying out.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Extra Garlicky: Love garlic? Double the garlic quantity for an even bolder, richer flavor.
Herb Lovers’ Version: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano instead of dried herbs.
Lemon Butter Chicken Bites: Add extra lemon juice and zest for a fresh, citrusy twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 2g
Sugar: 0g

FAQs – Your Top Questions Answered

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will make the dish even juicier.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Swap the butter for vegan butter or ghee.

Can I meal prep this recipe?
Definitely. Store individual portions with rice or vegetables for quick, ready-to-go meals.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the pan will release excess moisture, preventing proper browning.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

For a lighter version, you can:

Reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and replace the rest with extra virgin olive oil.
Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
Serve with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad instead of pasta or bread.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. You can sauté vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or spinach in the garlic butter sauce before adding the chicken back in.

Can I double this recipe for meal prep?

Yes. Just make sure to cook the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and ultra-satisfying chicken dish, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are it. Whether you serve them over rice, toss them into a salad, or enjoy them straight from the pan, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try this recipe tonight and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear what you think. Happy cooking.