Garlic butter chicken bites

Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | 20-Minute Dinner

Flavorful garlic butter chicken bites ready in 20 minutes. An easy weeknight dinner everyone will love!

These garlic butter chicken bites are perfect when you want a tasty meal without the fuss. You only need a handful of ingredients and one pan.

In just 20 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken pieces coated in rich butter and garlic. It’s an easy dish even a beginner cook can nail.

Why you’ll love this recipe

— Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish
— Uses simple, everyday ingredients
— One-pan cooking means less cleaning
— Tender chicken with a buttery garlic kick
— Great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner

Ingredients

US measurements / Metric measurements
— 1.5 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces / 680 g
— 1 tsp salt / 6 g
— ½ tsp black pepper / 2 g
— 1 tsp paprika / 2 g
— 4 cloves garlic, minced / ~12 g
— 4 tbsp unsalted butter / 60 g
— 2 tbsp olive oil / 30 ml
— 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped / 8 g

How to make it

1. Pat chicken dry and place in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook 4–5 minutes without moving, until golden underneath.
4. Flip chicken and cook 3–4 more minutes until almost cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Return chicken to the pan. Toss to coat in butter and garlic for 1 minute.
7. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot.

Tips and common mistakes

— Do not overcrowd the pan: leave space so chicken browns nicely.
— Keep heat at medium-high to get a golden crust.
— Mince garlic finely to avoid large raw pieces.
— If chicken sticks, let it cook one more minute before flipping.

Substitutions

— Butter: swap for ghee or margarine (same amount).
— Chicken: use boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
— Garlic: substitute 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
— Parsley: use cilantro or thyme as an alternative.

Storage instruction

— Fridge: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
— Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
— Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw completely before cooking for even browning.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It’s mild. Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Cook chicken and cool. Reheat in a pan with a bit of butter.

Q: What side dishes match well?
A: Steamed veggies, rice, or a simple green salad.

These garlic butter chicken bites come together in just 20 minutes. Tender, buttery chicken with garlic flavor makes the perfect weeknight dinner.