🍗 Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A fast, flavorful 15-minute recipe perfect for weeknights!

⭐ Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder (optional)

• ½–1 tsp salt (to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

🥘 Instructions

1. Season the chicken

In a bowl, combine:

• Chicken cubes

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Salt & pepper

• Olive oil

Mix until evenly coated.

2. Sear the chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).

3. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.

3. Make the garlic butter

In the same skillet:

1. Lower heat to medium.

2. Add butter and let it melt.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds (don’t brown it).

4. Add lemon juice and parsley.

4. Combine

Add the chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Simmer 1 minute.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Serve

Great with:

• Rice

• Pasta

• Mashed potatoes

• Roasted veggies

• On top of salad

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Yes! Thighs stay juicier and are often more flavorful. Just cook them a minute or two longer if needed.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes. It reheats very well. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Q3: How do I make it spicy?

A: Add any of these:

• ½ tsp cayenne

• Red pepper flakes (1/4–1/2 tsp)

• A dash of hot sauce in the butter sauce

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes — swap butter for:

• Vegan butter

• Olive oil (the flavor changes slightly but still delicious)

Q5: How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

A: Check that:

• Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

• Juices run clear

• No pink inside

Q6: What can I add for extra flavor?

Try mixing in:

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• Fresh thyme or rosemary

• A splash of chicken broth in the sauce

Q7: Can I bake instead of pan-fry?

A: Yes.
Bake seasoned chicken bites at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, then toss with garlic butter sauce after baking.