Let’s face it—life gets busy. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, finding time to whip up a delicious, home-cooked meal can feel like a challenge.
But what if I told you there’s a recipe that’s not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor? Enter: 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites—your new go-to for weeknight dinners, last-minute entertaining, or even a satisfying appetizer.
This one-pan dish combines tender chicken bites with the rich, buttery goodness of garlic and herbs, creating a meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it down.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for busy nights.
- One-Pan Magic: No need for multiple pots and pans—less cleanup means more time to relax.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main course with sides like rice, pasta, or salad, or enjoy it as a finger-licking appetizer.
- Flavor-Packed: Garlic, butter, herbs, and a touch of paprika combine for a mouthwatering experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- Chicken: 20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Seasoning: All-purpose flour, dried oregano, dried basil, sweet paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Cooking Essentials: Olive oil and unsalted butter.
- Fresh Flavors: Garlic cloves (minced) and freshly chopped parsley.
Kitchen Tools
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need are:
- A knife and cutting board for prepping the chicken.
- A large skillet (cast iron works wonderfully).
- A stove to bring everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this delicious dish in just a few easy steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by drying the chicken breasts with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces—perfectly bite-sized for easy cooking and eating.
2. Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with flour, basil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This step ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.
3. Heat the Pan
Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once the oil is hot and the butter melts, you’re ready to cook.
4. Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes—this helps create a golden crust. Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add Flavor
Reduce the heat slightly and add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and parsley to the pan. Stir gently and let everything cook for one more minute until the chicken is fully cooked and infused with garlicky goodness.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken bites immediately while they’re hot. Pair them with your favorite sides or enjoy them on their own—either way, they’re sure to be a hit.
Tips for Success
- Brighten It Up: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a refreshing zing.
- Spice It Up: For those who love heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick.
- Extra Flavor: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an indulgent finish.
Serving Suggestions
Not sure what to pair with your garlic butter chicken bites? Here are some ideas:
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or buttery garlic rice makes a perfect base.
- Pasta: Toss the chicken bites with cooked pasta for an easy pasta dish.
- Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the chicken.
- Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up all that buttery sauce.
Nutrition Breakdown
Curious about the nutritional profile? Here’s what you’re getting per serving:
- Calories: 289 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 16g (6g saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 357mg
- Potassium: 567mg
This dish is high in protein and relatively low in carbs, making it a great option for those watching their macros.
Why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding your family after a long day, this recipe checks all the boxes. The tender chicken bites are packed with flavor from garlic, butter, and herbs, while being quick enough to prepare on even your busiest days. Plus, its versatility means you can dress it up or keep it simple depending on your mood.
Final Thoughts
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be delicious. These 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites prove that simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can yield extraordinary results. So grab your skillet and get ready to impress your taste buds—and maybe even your dinner guests!
What are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try tonight and let us know how it turned out! Happy cooking!
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15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Easy One-Pan Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
This effortless one-pan meal is perfect for busy nights and good enough for entertaining. Serve as an entrée or appetizer!
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:
Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut into 1-inch pieces.
Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, sprinkle flour, basil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly.
Heat the Skillet:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Once hot, add chicken in a single layer.
Cook the Chicken:
Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add Flavor:
Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Cook for 1 more minute until chicken is fully cooked.
Serve:
Serve hot, alone, or with sides like rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Notes
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for brightness.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 289 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 357mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 122mg
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