15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, these chicken bites are tender, flavorful, and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Not only is this dish quick to prepare, but it also pairs beautifully with various sides or can be served as an impressive appetizer.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken Bites
• How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Chicken
• Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter Flavor
• Step 4: Serve
• How to Serve 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
• As a Main Course
• As an Appetizer
• With Salads
• How to Perfect 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
• Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
• Reheating 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites healthier?
• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
• What sides go well with 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
• How spicy can I make my garlic butter chicken?
• Can I meal prep this dish?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic and butter creates a luxurious taste that will impress your family and friends.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these chicken bites as a hearty main dish or as a tasty appetizer at your next gathering.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet—perfect for the busy cook!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or toppings to tailor the dish to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather these essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: This tool retains heat well, ensuring even cooking and a nice sear on the chicken.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for cutting chicken prevents mess and ensures safety while preparing ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine the chicken with seasonings easily without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites

• 20 oz (1¼ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp sweet paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

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How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Cut them into 1-inch pieces. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle with flour, dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until golden crust forms. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter Flavor

Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute while stirring occasionally until garlic is fragrant and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Serve

Serve hot as a main dish alongside rice or pasta or enjoy as an appetizer. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over for added brightness if desired!

How to Serve 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

These tender chicken bites are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your dish.

As a Main Course

• Serve with steamed vegetables for a healthy and colorful plate.
• Pair with rice to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce.
• Offer alongside pasta for a comforting Italian twist.

As an Appetizer

• Skewer the chicken bites on toothpicks for easy eating at gatherings.
• Serve with a zesty dipping sauce, like ranch or sriracha mayo, for added flavor.
• Present them on a charcuterie board with olives and cheese for an elegant touch.

With Salads

• Top a fresh green salad with the chicken bites for added protein.
• Incorporate into a Caesar salad, mixing the garlic flavor into the dressing.
• Create a Mediterranean salad with feta cheese, olives, and cucumbers for a light meal.

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How to Perfect 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Perfecting your garlic butter chicken bites is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried options.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches ensures that each piece gets a nice golden crust and cooks evenly.
• Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to tweak spices like paprika or add your favorites for a personalized touch.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest briefly after cooking can keep it juicy and flavorful.

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Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

When serving garlic butter chicken bites, choosing the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, these potatoes pair well with the buttery flavors of the chicken.
2. Roasted Broccoli: Crispy roasted broccoli adds a healthy crunch and balances out the richness of the main dish.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers offers freshness and texture.
4. Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous cooked with herbs makes an excellent base for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Simple grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon provides brightness against the savory chicken bites.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, enhancing each bite of chicken.
7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements savory flavors well, making it perfect for summer meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry bites. Cook until just done, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
• Skipping the flour coating: Not coating the chicken can result in less flavor and a lack of that golden crust. Always toss chicken pieces in flour and spices before cooking.
• Using low-quality butter: Cheap butter lacks flavor. Opt for unsalted butter for the best taste in your garlic butter sauce.
• Not using enough garlic: Garlic is key for flavor. Don’t skimp on it; more minced garlic enhances the dish significantly.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Seasoning can make a big difference in flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Place cooled chicken bites in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to label with the date!

Reheating 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites healthier?

You can use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for added moisture or substitute some butter with olive oil.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.

What sides go well with 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

These bites pair well with rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

How spicy can I make my garlic butter chicken?

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper while cooking to increase spice levels according to your taste preference.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! Prepare and store it as outlined above. It makes great leftovers for quick lunches!

Final Thoughts

The 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are not only quick but also packed with rich flavors that everyone will love. This versatile dish is perfect for families on busy weeknights or as an appetizer at gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding different herbs or spices to suit your taste!