Diced chicken breast is quickly seared and finished off with a butter garlic sauce. Serve these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with a side dish for a simple and flavorful weeknight meal.
This is one of those dishes you make when your fresh food is running low and you need a quick dinner made with just a few ingredients. It's also the kind of dinner you make when you want something awesome and delicious, despite being pressed for time.
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites take just about 15 minutes to make (or less) and pair well with so many sides (like Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes).
Ingredients Needed and Substitutions
Here is a brief overview of the ingredients needed for this recipe. The full recipe with quantities is listed below this text in the recipe card. If substitutions are available for this recipe, they'll be listed here. If you don't see a substitution you are looking for, please leave a comment below.
- chicken breasts (you can substitute in chicken thighs if that's what you prefer)
- garlic (fresh and powder for extra garlic flavor)
- butter
- flour (this is optional to add it, but adds a more substantial feel to the buttery garlic sauce)
- salt + pepper
- lemon (this helps balance the whole dish out, so don't skip it)
The Key To Making this Recipe Awesome
There is one important thing you need to know when it comes to cooking chicken breasts--don't overcook them. Overcooked chicken is so tough and just not good.
This chicken breast recipe is diced for faster cooking, but that also means that the chicken breasts can easily overcook as well.
The best way to tell if your chicken is done is with an instant-read thermometer. If you don't have one already, it's worth the minor investment.
Aside from cooking the chicken properly, you also want to take the time to let the chicken get a nice sear on the first side you cook it on. Searing the meat gives it a deeper, more complex flavor. And of course, make sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan once you add in the butter and lemon juice. That too, imparts flavor to the final dish.
Storing Chicken Bites
This garlic butter chicken is best served right after it is made. That is because chicken breasts overcooks quickly (see up top) so it's going to taste best fresh since it won't take well to reheating.
However, chicken bite leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or in a toaster oven. The lower the heat the better, but its inevitable that they will be tougher once reheated.
Quick Sides and Serving Ideas
For the ultimate fast dinner, serve this chicken dish with a quick side salad. If you want a heartier dinner, here are some side dish options on this site:
- Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes
- Quick Cheesy Polenta
- Cucumber Avocado Salad
- Baked Parmesan Potato Wedges
Making the recipe? Be sure to leave a comment with a star review on your experience! Have a question? Leave a comment below and I'll get back to you as quickly as I can!
PrintFull Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 00:05
- Cook Time: 00:10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
Description
Diced chicken breast is quickly seared off and cooked with a butter garlic sauce. Serve these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with a side dish for a simple and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1-½ pounds chicken breast, cut into 2” pieces
- Salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Dry off the chicken really well with paper towels. Add diced chicken to a bowl. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder, and toss to coat with the flour.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil.
- Add the chicken when the oil is hot, in one layer (in batches if necessary) and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes until lightly golden on the other side.
- Add in the garlic, butter and lemon juice, and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Cook until the chicken is done, about 1-2 minutes more or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
katelin jenkins
My favorite way to make chicken! So easy and delicious
Liz
Soooo delicious! This was quick and easy and some of the best chicken I've had in a while!