These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect weeknight meal—juicy, tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce with simple seasonings. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy one-pan dish is packed with flavor and perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or with a side of vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need a delicious meal fast.
- Flavor-packed – The garlic butter sauce combined with simple seasonings like paprika, onion powder, and a touch of red pepper flakes brings bold, savory flavors to every bite.
- Customizable – Serve these chicken bites with rice, pasta, or a simple side of veggies for a balanced meal.
- One-pan – Minimal cleanup required as everything cooks in a single pan!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
Directions
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
3. Add Garlic Butter:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the butter coats the chicken.
4. Add Lemon and Parsley:
- Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
5. Serve:
- Serve the garlic butter chicken bites hot with your choice of rice, pasta, or a side of vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in some broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes for more heat or add a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve with Gravy: For extra richness, serve with a simple homemade or store-bought gravy on the side.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through or in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe! Just cook them a bit longer, as they tend to take a bit more time than chicken breasts.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and seasonings in advance for quicker cooking when you’re ready to make it.
Can I use other types of cheese?
While the recipe doesn’t call for cheese, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken bites once done for an added cheesy flavor.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil for a lighter version, or use ghee for a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is a perfect, easy-to-make meal for busy nights. The flavorful garlic butter sauce combined with the tender chicken makes this dish irresistible, while the quick cook time ensures it’s both a delicious and convenient option for weeknight dinners. Pair it with your favorite side for a complete meal everyone will love!
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15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect weeknight meal—tender chicken cooked in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce, seasoned with paprika, onion powder, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Ready in just 15 minutes, this one-pan dish is packed with flavor and can be served over rice, pasta, or with a side of veggies. Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
3. Add Garlic Butter:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the butter coats the chicken.
4. Add Lemon and Parsley:
- Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
5. Serve:
- Serve the garlic butter chicken bites hot with your choice of rice, pasta, or a side of vegetables.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Toss in some broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes for more heat or add a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve with Gravy: For extra richness, serve with a simple homemade or store-bought gravy on the side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Quick Meals
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
