Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces ((about 2 large breasts)); 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika ((regular paprika can be used)); 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 Tablespoons butter (divided use (can use unsalted or salted)); 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced ((if your cloves are large, you can use less)); fresh parsley, chopped ((for garnish, optional))

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This recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is the perfect, simple dinner for a busy weeknight! Tender, seasoned chicken breast chunks that are ready in only 15 minutes!

A Fast & Flavorful Dinner Recipe

I can’t get enough of these quick and tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Honestly, I could add garlic to literally anything and be a happy camper – ha! These tender, juicy perfectly seasoned chicken pieces are coated in the most delicious garlic butter sauce. They can be made so quickly which is what I love. Serve with some rice or those bagged steamable veggies and you can have dinner done fast! My whole family loves when I make these (you can do it with pork too!)

A spoon drizzling some garlic butter over the chicken bites in a skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any tips for keeping the chicken nice and juicy?

Ensure the chicken is cut to the same size so it cooks uniformly. If you have a variety of sizes, you’ll be drying out the smaller pieces while waiting for the bigger pieces to cook and be safe to eat.
Also, when reheating, try to reheat the chicken bites in a skillet with a little butter or oil over low heat. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken dry and rubbery.

What to serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

There are so many options to serve with these chicken pieces. Here are some of my favorites:
Rice: Serve with white rice, brown rice, or a flavorful rice pilaf to soak up the garlic butter sauce. Love garlic and want even more? Try this with some Garlic Butter Rice
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for adding richness to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a healthy side. You can even just grab a bag of the steamed veggies and toss them in the microwave for a super simple side.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast.
Bread: Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls to dip into the sauce.

Can I add veggies with the chicken?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the skillet along with the chicken, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Can I make these chicken bites in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can. I have a simple Air Fryer Chicken Bites recipe that I know makes tasty chicken. We can adapt that recipe to use with this one. Preheat a 5-quart basket air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. While the fryer is preheating, season the chicken as you would in the skillet version. When ready, pop the chicken in the Air Fryer and cook for 7-11 minutes, shaking the basket around every few minutes for even cooking.

Can these be made in the slow cooker?

Technically yes but I think you are making more work than necessary since this is such a simple stovetop recipe. Also, the chicken tends to fall apart when cooked for a long time in the slow cooker so you may end up with shredded chicken rather than chicken bites.

What’s the best way to store leftover chicken bites?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm the chicken bites in a skillet over low to medium heat with a little butter or oil to maintain their juiciness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken texture a bit rubbery.

Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

Sure can! The chicken bites can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool the chicken bites completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

A scoop of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites above the skillet.

Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below For The Full Recipe)

chicken breasts– You could substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs as well if you don’t want to use chicken breasts. Just know that chicken thighs will take longer to cook than breast. The best way to tell when chicken is ready is to use a meat thermometer (paid affiliate link). Chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F degrees.
Italian seasoning – You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have Italian seasoning.
smoked paprika – if needed, regular paprika can be used.
onion powder – please note, you can use any seasoning blend you enjoy. Chicken is so easy to season. Even if you just want to do just salt, pepper, onion powder and a little paprika. Or use a creole seasoning or even lemon pepper seasoning.
butter– divided use. You can use unsalted or salted butter. If using salted butter, reduce the salt on the chicken seasoning to ½ teaspoon.
olive oil – Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any neutral cooking oil.
cloves garlic– I suggest sticking to fresh minced garlic for the best flavor. But, you can use pre-minced or jarred garlic as a time-saver, just remember fresh garlic will give the best flavor.
fresh parsley– for an optional garnish. You can use the dried stuff too if you have it on hand.

Chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, butter, onion powder ,and parsley.

How To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

In a large bowl, season the chicken breast pieces with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

A bowl of chicken breast pieces with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper and a bowl with seasoned chicken.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

Cooked chicken in a skillet and a skillet with melting butter.

When the butter melts, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat the pieces with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.