Name: Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; ¼ cup unsalted butter, divided; 4–5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are one of my go-to dishes when I need something quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to please. These golden, tender bites are coated in a savory garlic butter sauce with just the right kick from Italian herbs and red pepper flakes. It’s a one-pan recipe that’s ready in minutes and delivers bold flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes basic ingredients and transforms them into something crave-worthy. The chicken is seared to perfection, then coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that clings to every bite. It’s:

Fast and easy—ready in just 20 minutes
Made with pantry staples
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Versatile—serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies
Bursting with garlic, herb, and buttery goodness

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup unsalted butter, divided
4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions

Season and Coat the Chicken:
I toss the chicken pieces with flour, Italian seasoning, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if I want heat), salt, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. I add the chicken and cook it for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I try not to overcrowd the pan so the chicken browns nicely.
Add Garlic and Butter:
I lower the heat slightly, then add the remaining butter and minced garlic. I stir everything for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the chicken is fully coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
I sprinkle in fresh chopped parsley right before serving for a pop of color and a fresh finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes just 20 minutes total, including 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or even a quick protein boost at lunch.

Variations

I like to play around with flavors depending on what I have on hand:

Swap Italian seasoning with Cajun or lemon pepper seasoning
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a citrusy twist
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier bites
Toss in cooked broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a full one-pan meal
Add grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory layer

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, I warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth. Microwave works too, but I cover the container to keep moisture in.
Freezing: These bites freeze well. I let them cool completely, then freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often swap in boneless, skinless thighs—they’re a bit juicier and still cook quickly.

What’s the best way to serve garlic butter chicken bites?

I love them over rice, mashed potatoes, or tossed into pasta. They’re also great with a simple green salad or sautéed veggies.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Sure. I just use a plant-based butter alternative and make sure all my seasonings are dairy-free.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of regular flour.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

I lower the heat before adding the garlic and stir constantly. It cooks fast—about one minute is perfect.

Conclusion

Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket for nights when I want something comforting and delicious without much fuss. It’s fast, flexible, and packed with flavor. Whether I serve it as a main course or add it to pasta, salad, or bowls, it always comes out tasting like I put in way more effort than I did. Give it a try—I bet it’ll end up in your regular dinner rotation too.

Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites