15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | Easy One-Pan Recipe
15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a delightful main course that promises to satisfy your cravings without the fuss. Full of juicy, tender chicken pieces coated in a delectable garlic butter sauce, this dish is all about the rich flavors mingling in a single pan. Quick and effortless, it’s the ideal meal to whip up on busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop in.
Table of Contents
The beauty of these chicken bites lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of common ingredients, you can transform your kitchen into a cozy haven where mouthwatering aromas swirl around. It takes just 15 minutes to create a dish that’s sure to impress and, best of all, it brings everyone together around the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it may quickly become your new go-to for quick meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Irresistible Flavor: Buttery garlic goodness combined with tender chicken.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve these bites as fun appetizers or main dishes that look as good as they taste.
- Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, party snacks, or even meal prep.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free with flour substitutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Fresh is best! Substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: This gives a light coating that helps form a delicious crust. Use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Adds a fragrant, earthy flavor. Try fresh if you have it on hand!
- ½ tsp dried basil: Brings a sweet, aromatic touch; fresh basil can enhance the flavor even more if used.
- ½ tsp sweet paprika: Provides a gentle sweetness and vibrant color. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for enhancing flavors. Adjust to your preference.
- Freshly ground pepper to taste: Freshly ground gives the best flavor kick!
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for cooking and adds richness; avocado oil can be a great substitute.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided: Emphasizes that rich, creamy flavor—use plant-based butter for dairy-free.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: The star of the dish! Fresh garlic packs a flavorful punch.
- 2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped: For a vibrant touch and fresh flavor! Substitute with cilantro for a different twist.
How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | Easy One-Pan Recipe
Prepare the chicken: Dry your chicken breasts using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Cut them into 1-inch pieces for uniform cooking. This makes for tender and perfectly cooked bites.
Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried basil, ½ tsp sweet paprika, ½ tsp salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Coat them thoroughly to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.
Heat your skillet: Take a large cast iron skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Wait until the butter is melted, and the oil is hot, creating the perfect sear for the chicken.
Cook the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the skillet in a single layer and cook without moving them for about 3 minutes. This allows a nice golden crust to develop. Flip the pieces over and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they are cooked through.
Add flavor: Now’s the time for the magic! Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Cook for one more minute while stirring to coat the chicken in that luscious garlic butter mixture.
Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your chicken bites immediately. Enjoy them on their own or pair them with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep them longer, freeze the chicken bites for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for about a minute, ensuring they’re heated through. Note that reheating may slightly alter the texture, but a dab of butter or olive oil can help refresh them!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Chicken should be dry before adding flour; this helps create a better crust.
- Use a hot skillet to prevent the chicken from steaming instead of searing.
- Timing is crucial for perfect bites; don’t overcrowd the skillet.
- Experiment with additional herbs or spices, like thyme or chili flakes for heat!
- Prep the ingredients ahead of time for a quicker cooking experience.
These 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are not just a meal, they’re an experience to savor. The incredible aroma that fills your kitchen will draw family and friends to the table, eager to dig in. Feel free to get creative—swap out the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a delightful twist. The rich buttery-garlic flavor works magic with so many ingredients!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely beforehand for even cooking. The quickest way is to place it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.
What sides go well with garlic butter chicken bites?
These chicken bites pair beautifully with a range of sides. Try serving them with fluffy rice, a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. Even mashed potatoes would complement those flavors perfectly!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While these chicken bites are best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prep your ingredients ahead of time. Season the chicken pieces and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cook them right before serving for best results!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Indeed! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan butter or olive oil. The overall flavor will still be delicious, and you won’t miss a thing!
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📖 Recipe Card
15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | Easy One-Pan Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Quick, flavorful, and mouthwatering, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come together in just 15 minutes! Perfect for dinners or meal prep, this one-pan dish uses simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, and butter for a delightful taste that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 20 oz (1 ¼ 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
- 2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by drying the breasts with paper towels and cutting them into 1-inch pieces.
- Season the chicken by placing it in a bowl, then sprinkle with flour, basil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss until coated with the mix.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter. Once heated, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Cook without moving the chicken for about 3 minutes. Flip the pieces and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Cook for one more minute until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve immediately while hot, alone or with your choice of sides like rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Notes
For crispier chicken, ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken pieces.
Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste by adding spices like chili powder or Italian herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
