If there’s one meal I never get tired of making, it’s garlic butter chicken bites.
There’s something about crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in rich, garlicky butter that makes every bite irresistible. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
I remember the first time I whipped this up on a busy weeknight—one pan, a handful of pantry staples, and suddenly, I had a restaurant-quality meal that everyone loved.
Whether you serve it over rice, with roasted veggies, or wrapped in a tortilla, these buttery, garlicky chicken bites will instantly become a new favorite.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
There’s nothing worse than dry, flavorless chicken, but this recipe solves that problem effortlessly. The quick sear locks in the juices, and the garlic butter coating ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Perfectly Juicy, Every Time – Cooking chicken bites quickly at high heat prevents them from drying out.
- Bold Garlic Butter Flavor – Melted butter infused with garlic coats each piece for a rich, savory taste.
- Fast & Easy One-Pan Meal – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Versatile & Customizable – Serve it over rice, in a salad, or as a filling for wraps.
- Keto & Low-Carb Friendly – A naturally high-protein meal without unnecessary carbs.
The Secret to Perfect Chicken Bites
The key to extra juicy, flavorful chicken bites lies in three simple techniques:
- Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts – Thighs stay moist and tender, while breasts can dry out faster.
- Sear at High Heat – This creates a golden, crispy crust while locking in moisture.
- Finish with Garlic Butter at the End – Adding butter too early can cause burning—stirring it in at the end ensures a silky, flavorful coating.
Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This recipe is proof that simple ingredients create big flavors.
- Chicken Thighs (or Breasts) – Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Butter – Creates a rich, silky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic – The star ingredient that infuses deep, bold flavor.
- Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken to a crispy golden brown.
- Paprika – Adds warmth and enhances the flavor.
- Lemon Juice – A splash of acidity brightens up the dish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This one-pan recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Season & Sear the Chicken – Toss the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add Garlic & Butter – Reduce heat to medium-low, add minced garlic and butter, and stir everything together until the butter is melted and fragrant.
- Deglaze with Lemon Juice – A quick splash of lemon juice lifts the flavors and keeps the sauce balanced.
- Serve & Enjoy – Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice, pasta, or veggies.
Each bite is crispy, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Pair these crispy, flavorful chicken bites with sides that complement their rich, buttery taste.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Butter Rice | Soaks up all the extra sauce for a flavorful, satisfying meal. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Adds freshness and a crisp contrast to the rich chicken. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and buttery, making every bite extra satisfying. |
| Crispy Brussels Sprouts | A slightly charred crunch balances the soft, juicy chicken. |
| Cauliflower Rice | A great low-carb alternative that still absorbs all the garlic butter sauce. |
| Pasta with Parmesan | Adds a comforting, cheesy element to the dish. |
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This recipe stores well and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
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How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Let the chicken cool before transferring to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small amount of butter or olive oil.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the chicken sear properly instead of steaming.
- Add the garlic after the chicken is cooked to prevent burning.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick for extra flavor.
- For extra crispiness, let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before adding butter.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Just be sure to not overcook them, as chicken breasts can dry out faster than thighs.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
3. What’s the best way to get a crispy sear?
Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken, and don’t move it around too much while cooking.
4. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! Store the chicken in a sealed container and reheat as needed for easy meals throughout the week.
5. Can I add vegetables to the pan?
Definitely! Bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini cook quickly and pair perfectly with the garlic butter sauce.
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are proof that big flavors don’t have to take hours. Quick, easy, and packed with bold, buttery goodness—this dish will be a new favorite in your kitchen!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Equipment
- Skillet For searing the chicken to golden perfection
- Mixing Bowl For seasoning the chicken pieces
- Tongs For flipping the chicken bites while cooking
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter and minced garlic. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and stir one last time before removing from heat.
- Serve hot over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before adding butter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!