Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect quick-fix dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Juicy chunks of chicken breast are seared to golden perfection and then tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s infused with herbs and just a touch of heat. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner, a high-protein lunch, or even an easy appetizer for guests, these savory chicken bites are guaranteed to impress. Ready in under 30 minutes and cooked in one pan, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen with ingredients you already have on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon
- Optional: grated Parmesan for finishing
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss well to coat all sides evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear without moving them for 2-3 minutes until the undersides are golden brown. Flip and cook the other sides for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes for heat if using, and stir in a splash of lemon juice to balance the richness of the butter.
- Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated and reheated for about 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
- Serve hot as a main dish with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables. It also works well as a party appetizer with toothpicks.