When I first made this garlic butter chicken bites recipe, it instantly became one of my go-to recipes. The tender, juicy chicken combined with the rich flavor of garlic butter and a zesty hint of lemon felt like a gourmet treat.

I served it up with steamed rice and some veggies on the side, and my family devoured it in minutes! If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes, this is it. You can also explore other dinner inspirations like this Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe for a bit of variety.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious recipe, along with tips to make it perfect.

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating for the chicken, giving it a golden crust.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a mix of herbs to complement the garlic butter sauce.
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic: Adds a subtle garlic layer to the chicken coating.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces): Fresh chicken works best; avoid frozen chicken for a juicier result.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for pan-searing the chicken to golden brown.
1 tablespoon grated garlic (about 6 garlic cloves): Grating releases more flavor and aroma.
1/4 cup dry white wine: Adds depth to the sauce. You can substitute with chicken broth if needed.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed): The key to a creamy, indulgent sauce.
1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Chopped parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness for garnishing.

Note: This recipe serves four generous portions.

Variations to Try

If you’d like to customize this recipe, here are some ideas to suit your dietary needs and flavor preferences:

Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or extra olive oil instead of butter.
Low-Carb: Skip the flour and pan-sear the chicken for a keto-friendly version.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Herb Add-Ons: Include fresh rosemary or thyme in the sauce for an earthy flavor boost.

Cooking Time

This recipe is fast and perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s the breakdown:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

To make the recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

Large skillet: For pan-searing the chicken and preparing the sauce.
Mixing bowl: To coat the chicken evenly with flour and seasoning.
Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken without tearing the meat.
Grater: To prepare freshly grated garlic, which elevates the taste.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

This simple recipe comes together quickly, but every step is packed with flavor.

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by mixing the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and granulated garlic in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture to ensure even coating. This step is crucial for creating those crispy, golden bites.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes on one side before flipping. Cook for another 4 minutes until fully done and golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

With your skillet on medium heat, add the grated garlic and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the wine and cook while stirring often, letting most of the wine evaporate after about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Butter and Lemon

Once the wine has reduced, turn the heat to low and add the butter cubes and lemon juice. Stir until the butter melts into a silky sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat each bite with the garlic butter goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a final touch. Serve immediately while still warm.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here’s what I’ve learned after making this dish a few times:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always grate fresh garlic and use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even searing.
Deglaze With Broth: If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth is a great alternative to release all those flavorful browned bits in the pan.
Prep Ahead: Chop and marinate the chicken in advance to save time on busy evenings.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

These chicken bites pair beautifully with so many sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

Serve over fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Pair with roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
Add these bites to a bed of pasta for a hearty, filling meal.

You’ll love them with dishes like this Baked Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon in Foil when planning a dinner spread.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of garlic butter chicken bites has approximately:

Calories: 380
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 22g

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Here’s how you can store and enjoy leftovers:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve flavor and texture.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Use a skillet on low heat and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens during storage.

For more dinner ideas, check out our Dinner Recipes to explore amazing options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for several reasons. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy: It’s ready in just 25 minutes, ideal for busy nights.
Flavorful: Loaded with buttery, garlicky flavor that’s elevated with a touch of lemon.
Versatile: Pairs well with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal.
Customizable: Easily adaptable for various dietary preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone at the table will fall in love with these juicy chicken bites.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work just as well and often stay even juicier.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, like cornstarch.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Ben Carraoli