These juicy, golden chicken bites are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and seared to perfection. With a crisp outside and a tender inside, this quick one-pan dish is great for weeknights, entertaining guests, or even as a savory appetizer. Serve with rice, pasta, or fresh greens—it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ¼ lbs)
- 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 freshly chopped parsley
Equipment
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Stove
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut them into even 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until browned.
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter
Add the remaining butter, garlic, and parsley to the pan. Stir and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy as-is or pair with jasmine rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Hot Skillet = Perfect Sear
Preheat the pan well before adding chicken to get that nice golden-brown crust. - Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the chicken instead of searing it. - Use Fresh Garlic
Freshly minced garlic gives a more robust flavor than garlic powder. - Try Chicken Thighs
For an extra juicy result, swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs. - Add a Zing of Lemon
A squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken before serving brings bright acidity and balances the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs offer even more flavor and stay juicy, just increase the cook time slightly.
2. Can I skip the flour?
Absolutely, but the flour helps create a light crust and slightly thickens the sauce.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
5. What are good side dishes?
Serve with lemon couscous, garlic mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.