Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic butter chicken bites are simple to make yet packed with flavor. The combination of olive oil, butter, garlic, and fresh herbs results in juicy chicken pieces with a crispy outer layer. This quick recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying, savory meal that doesn’t require much prep or cleanup.
Ingredients
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1 ¼ lbs (20 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried basil
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½ tsp sweet paprika
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½ tsp salt
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Freshly ground pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
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In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once the oil is hot and the butter melts, add the chicken in a single layer and let it cook without moving for 3 minutes.
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Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
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Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley to the skillet. Stir and cook for another minute until the chicken is fully cooked.
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Serve immediately while hot, either on its own or with a side of your choice.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 8 minutes
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Cook time: 7 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly juicier texture.
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Add Spice: For a spicier version, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
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Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest and fresh lemon juice for a fresh and zesty flavor.
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Cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken bites before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken bites for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
FAQs
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can substitute ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for fresh garlic in this recipe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Just keep in mind that chicken thighs will take slightly longer to cook, so add an extra minute or two to the searing time.
Can I make this recipe without flour?
Flour helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly, but you can skip it if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I freeze garlic butter chicken bites?
Yes, these chicken bites freeze well. Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months and reheat as needed.
What sides pair well with garlic butter chicken bites?
These chicken bites pair perfectly with rice, pasta, couscous, or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the oil and butter, and let the chicken cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to create a nice crust.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While this recipe is best served immediately, you can prep the chicken and flour mixture in advance and cook it when ready.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I add more flavor to this dish?
Yes! You can add fresh lemon juice, extra parsley, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors.
How do I serve garlic butter chicken bites?
You can serve them alone as a snack, or pair them with a side dish like rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a full meal.
Conclusion
Garlic butter chicken bites are a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, savory garlic butter, and fresh herbs, they make a great quick meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Whether served as a main course or appetizer, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick, flavorful one-pan meal made with tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, these bite-sized pieces are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with savory goodness. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or as an appetizer, these garlic butter chicken bites are sure to impress!
Ingredients
1 ¼ lbs (20 oz) 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
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
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Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and the butter melts, add the chicken in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
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Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley to the skillet. Stir and cook for another minute until the chicken is fully cooked.
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Serve: Serve immediately while hot, either on its own or with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Add Spice: For a spicier version, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest and fresh lemon juice for a zesty flavor boost.
Cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving for extra flavor.