Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

overhead view of garlic butter chicken bites in a pan with a wooden spoon.

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These garlic butter chicken bites are a protein-packed meal prep or healthy family meal idea. Juicy seasoned chicken breast bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time10

Cook Time12

Total Time22

Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 350kcal

Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized chunks
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground paprika
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter ⅜ stick
4 cloves garlic minced
chopped fresh parsley optional, for serving

Instructions

In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the flour, salt, onion powder, paprika, and pepper until well coated.
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon ground paprika, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side; or until the pieces are cooked through and golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and set aside.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic
Add the chicken pieces back to the pan and stir to combine with the garlic butter.
Top with fresh parsley before serving.
chopped fresh parsley

Notes

*You can also use chicken tenders or chicken thighs.

Tips:

To make the chicken easier to cut into uniform pieces, you can briefly freeze it for about 30 minutes. Do not try to cut fully frozen chicken!
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning it so it crisps up nicely in the pan.
Let the seasoned chicken sit out for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
Don't overcrowd the chicken pieces in the pan, or they will steam rather than browning. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
Properly cooked chicken should read 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
After cooking the chicken, you can add a splash of chicken broth, white wine, or water to the skillet to help scrape up the browned bits. This will add extra flavor to the garlic butter.
Cook the garlic just until fragrant; burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for richness.
Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.

Air Fryer Instructions: For a quicker, crispy version, air fry chicken bites at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and cooked through. Toss with garlic butter and parsley before serving.

Storage: Store garlic butter chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition