15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, these 15-minute garlic butter chicken bites are the perfect choice. With tender chunks of chicken breast coated in a savory garlic butter sauce, this dish is a delightful combination of rich flavors and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers delicious results in just 15 minutes. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, and you can easily adjust it to meet different dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free flour or vegan butter.

This recipe is all about simplicity and speed, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The chicken is quickly seared until golden and crispy, then tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce that infuses every bite with savory goodness. The added freshness of chopped parsley ties everything together for a balanced, flavorful dish. Serve these garlic butter chicken bites with your favorite sides, or enjoy them as a tasty snack or appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or when you want a meal in a flash.

2. Full of Flavor

The garlic butter sauce with oregano, basil, and paprika creates a rich and flavorful coating for the chicken that will have you coming back for more.

3. Customizable

You can easily adapt the recipe for different dietary needs by using gluten-free flour and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

4. No Complicated Ingredients

The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, making it a dish you can throw together without having to run to the store.

5. Versatile

These garlic butter chicken bites can be served on their own, over rice, or with a side of vegetables, making them a versatile option for any meal.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Paprika
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free option)
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil to make it dairy-free.
• Spicy Chicken Bites: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added texture and flavor.
• Lemon Garlic Version: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a zesty twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and let it melt, coating the chicken in the rich sauce. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Once the chicken is fully coated in the garlic butter sauce, serve it immediately. Garnish with more parsley for extra color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chicken Tenderness: Be sure to cut the chicken into even-sized pieces so that it cooks evenly.
• Coating the Chicken: For an extra crispy coating, allow the flour mixture to sit on the chicken for a minute before cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets golden brown, cook the pieces in batches if necessary, giving them enough space in the skillet.
• Garlic Flavor: If you love garlic, feel free to add extra minced garlic to the sauce for a more pronounced garlic flavor.

How to Serve

These garlic butter chicken bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or over a bed of rice or pasta. They also make a great topping for a fresh salad or can be used as an appetizer for a party. For a complete meal, pair them with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a side of crusty bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic butter chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the flavor and texture, it’s best to refrigerate the chicken separately from the sauce.

Freezing

You can freeze the garlic butter chicken bites for up to 2 months. Be sure to allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil. Stir occasionally until heated through, ensuring that the chicken remains tender.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They will add a bit more flavor and tenderness.

2. Can I make this dish without flour?

Yes, you can skip the flour coating if you prefer a lighter version, or use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.

3. Can I use a different type of fat for cooking?

You can substitute olive oil with another cooking oil, like avocado oil or vegetable oil, though olive oil adds a nice flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

5. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking for the best results.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.

7. How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for extra heat.

8. Can I substitute butter with olive oil?

Yes, you can use olive oil as a substitute for butter, especially if you’re making this dish dairy-free.

9. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can sauté vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach and toss them in with the chicken for added texture and flavor.

10. Can I serve this with pasta?

Yes, these garlic butter chicken bites are perfect over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

15-minute garlic butter chicken bites are the perfect go-to dish when you need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time. Whether you choose to serve it with your favorite sides or enjoy it as a standalone dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation. Customize it to fit your dietary preferences and enjoy the delicious, rich flavors of this easy chicken recipe.

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