Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken pieces are coated, seared to a golden brown, and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe delivers comfort and taste in every bite.

Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more as needed)
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Place them in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss until each piece is coated evenly.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: When the pan is hot, add half of the chicken pieces without crowding the pan. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Repeat with the second half, adding a splash of olive oil if the pan looks dry. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for about one minute. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir almost constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and cooked but not burnt. If needed, briefly reheat the pan to maintain heat.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce until well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, use chicken thigh pieces instead of breasts. They stay juicy and flavorful.
- Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy finish.
- You can swap fresh parsley for chopped basil or cilantro depending on your preference.
Storage
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a small pat of butter or a splash of olive oil to refresh the sauce.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper browning. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a quick and complete meal.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast coated with garlic powder and cornstarch, pan-fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy stovetop recipe delivers a flavorful, juicy dish that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooking Fat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more as needed)
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the chicken and toss well to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Heat the Pan: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to become hot enough to sear the chicken properly.
- Cook the Chicken (Batch 1): Add half of the chicken pieces to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side, then flip each piece and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating they are fully cooked. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Cook the Chicken (Batch 2): If the pan looks dry, add a little more olive oil, up to 1 tablespoon. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, then transfer to the plate with the first batch.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for one minute. Then add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook while stirring almost constantly for 1-2 minutes, making sure the garlic softens but does not burn. If necessary, briefly return the pan to medium heat to complete this step.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return all the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear and prevent sticking.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken; this helps in even browning.
- If garlic begins to brown too quickly or burn, reduce the heat immediately.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- For a gluten-free variation, cornstarch is suitable, but check the label to be sure.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, quick chicken recipe, bite-sized chicken, pan-fried chicken, garlic butter sauce, easy dinner, chicken appetizer

