Name: 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Easy One-Pan Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp sweet paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; Freshly ground pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped

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If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, these 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect choice. This one-pan recipe comes together in under 15 minutes and is packed with bold, savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance. The chicken is seasoned with aromatic herbs, then seared in a rich garlic butter sauce that adds depth to every bite. Whether served on its own or paired with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, flavorful meal.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Savory Garlic Butter Flavor: The combination of butter and garlic creates a rich, savory sauce that’s hard to resist.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite spices, like red pepper flakes for heat or Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Versatile: Serve these garlic butter chicken bites with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
All-purpose flour
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Sweet paprika
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves
Fresh parsley

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy version.
Add Cheese: Top the chicken with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with bite-sized chunks of firm tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Lemon Garlic Butter: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving to add brightness and acidity.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel, then cut them into 1-inch pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle with flour, basil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss well until all the pieces are evenly coated with the flour and herbs.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the oil is hot and the butter melts, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Let the chicken cook without moving it for about 3 minutes, allowing it to brown and sear on one side. Flip the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.

Step 5: Add Flavor

Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and parsley to the pan. Cook for an additional minute, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the garlic butter chicken bites immediately while hot. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To ensure even cooking and browning, cook the chicken in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook in batches.
Let the Chicken Sear: Allow the chicken to sear undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping to get that delicious crispy exterior.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a richer flavor than garlic powder. Make sure to sauté it briefly so it doesn’t burn.
Control the Heat: If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.

How to Serve

With Rice: Serve these garlic butter chicken bites over a bed of fluffy rice for a simple, satisfying meal.
With Pasta: Toss the chicken bites with pasta and a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce for a hearty pasta dish.
With Salad: Pair the chicken with a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a skillet or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken bites in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or olive oil to keep them moist. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

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

Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. They will have a bit more flavor and moisture than breasts.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and season it a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.

3. Can I use a non-stick skillet instead of cast iron?

Yes, a non-stick skillet will work just fine. The cast iron adds a nice sear, but you can still get great results with other types of skillets.

4. What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

You can use dried parsley in place of fresh, or even substitute with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skillet and cook them alongside the chicken for a complete one-pan meal.

6. How can I make the chicken spicier?

Add more jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicier flavor.

7. How do I make sure the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.

8. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for this recipe. If using frozen chicken, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

9. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives a much stronger and more aromatic flavor, but if you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

10. How do I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Conclusion

These 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect choice for a quick and flavorful meal. With minimal ingredients, a one-pan cooking method, and a savory garlic butter sauce, this dish will soon become a weeknight staple. Whether served with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad, it’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken in no time.