It all started on a Tuesday, because of course it did. You know the kind: back to back meetings, a toddler painting the dog with yogurt, and a dinner plan that looked suspiciously like cereal. Evan had just walked in from work looking like he’d wrestled a printer and lost. I was knee deep in laundry and existential dread when he peeked into the fridge and said, “We’ve got chicken… and some butter… and garlic.”
That was the moment Garlic Butter Chicken came to life in our kitchen. A dish born not out of elegance, but necessity, because something fast, filling, and comforting was non negotiable that night.
Now, it’s become one of our absolute go to’s. Whether we’re serving it with a simple salad, wrapping it up in a tortilla for an easy lunch recipe, or tossing it over rice for a quick dinner, these 15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites always show up and show out.
If you’re craving something easy that still tastes like you tried, this recipe has your name (and your lunchbox) all over it.
Table of Contents
Garlic Butter Chicken Was the Hug We Didn’t Know We Needed
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Let’s be honest, chicken breast doesn’t always win popularity contests. It can be bland, dry, or just… meh. But not when you coat it in garlicky, buttery goodness and sear it to golden perfection.
Here’s why you’ll want this in your weekly rotation:
- It’s done in 15 minutes. Like, real 15 minutes. Not “Pinterest recipe” 15 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients. We’re talking pantry staples that come together like a dream team.
- Ridiculously versatile. Serve it on salads, in wraps, over pasta, you name it.
- Kid approved. Even our picky 7 year old said, “This tastes like garlic bread chicken,” and cleaned her plate. Boom.
Ingredients for 15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
You probably already have everything you need:
- 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small bite sized pieces.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional but makes it pretty)
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional for brightness)
How to Make It: Step by Step
1. Season Like You Mean It
Toss your chicken bites in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get every piece coated. You want flavor in every bite.
2. Sear and Sizzle
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When it’s shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd, do two batches if you need to). Sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden and fully cooked.
3. Garlic Butter Time
Lower the heat just a smidge. Add the butter and garlic to the pan. Stir everything around until the garlic is fragrant (about 1 minute). It should smell like heaven at this point.
4. Toss and Shine
Add all the chicken back to the pan if you cooked it in batches. Spoon that buttery, garlicky sauce over the bites until everything is glossy and irresistible. Add a squeeze of lemon and sprinkle with parsley, if you’re feeling fancy.
Done and done.
Cooking Tips from Our Kitchen
- Fresh garlic > garlic powder. Yes, we use both here. Garlic powder seasons the chicken from the start, and fresh garlic adds that wow factor in the butter.
- Don’t rush the sear. Let the chicken get a little crispy. It’s worth the wait (even if it’s only 2 minutes).
- Use a nonstick or well seasoned skillet. Nobody likes chicken glued to the pan.
- Feeling spicy? Add red pepper flakes when you toss in the garlic.
A Little Backstory While You Wait
The first time we made this, our youngest was mid meltdown because the grilled cheese was “too melty.” But the second she took a bite of this chicken, she stopped crying and said, “This tastes like my mouth is hugging me.” Now that’s a review.
Since then, these garlic butter chicken bites have saved dinner (and lunch) more times than we can count. We’ve even packed leftovers in wraps with arugula and avocado for an easy lunch recipe that doesn’t taste like yesterday.
And let’s be honest: we’ve also eaten them cold, straight from the fridge, standing over the sink. Zero shame.
Absolutely. Let’s add a new section that brings even more value to the article, something that connects emotionally and practically for your readers.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites (So You Never Get Bored)
One of our favorite things about these garlic butter chicken bites is how wildly versatile they are. Seriously, they’re like that one friend who fits in at every party, brunch, lunch, dinner, date night, or even a post workout snack (yes, we’ve done it).
Here are a few of our tried and true ways to enjoy them:
1. Over Rice or Pasta
Simple, classic, and satisfying. We love pairing them with our Lemon Butter Orzo or just spooning them over fluffy white rice. The butter sauce soaks right in, chef’s kiss.
2. Wrapped in a Tortilla
Add some greens, sliced avocado, maybe a drizzle of ranch or tzatziki, and boom: garlic butter chicken wraps. Great for meal prep or a grab and go lunch that doesn’t taste like cardboard.
3. On a Salad
Balance out the richness with crisp veggies. Try it on a Caesar, chopped Greek, or even just romaine and cucumbers with a lemony vinaigrette. Instant glow up.
4. With Roasted Veggies
Toss some broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts in the oven while you cook the chicken. Everything’s done at the same time and the textures together? So good.
5. Tucked Into a Bowl
Build your own bowl: rice, greens, beans, chicken bites, feta, a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce… or just whatever’s in the fridge. Call it “custom” and enjoy the compliments.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and add a deeper flavor. Just trim the excess fat and cut them into similar sized pieces.
How do I store leftovers?
Place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yep. Use a dairy free butter alternative or go all in with olive oil. You’ll still get great flavor, just a little less richness.
What’s the best side for garlic butter chicken bites?
Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a crisp Caesar salad. Want inspo? Try our 5 Minute Garlic Rice or Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts for a match made in heaven.
15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice optional, for brightness
Instructions
- In a bowl, season chicken bites with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Do this in batches if needed.
- Reduce heat slightly and add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Return all chicken to the pan and toss with the garlic butter sauce.
- Optional: Add lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or in wraps for a versatile and satisfying meal.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for meal prep
If you’re loving this garlic butter chicken recipe, you’re in for a treat. For another fast and flavorful dinner option, check out our sizzling garlic butter steak bites, perfect for a weeknight indulgence. Craving a little variety? Try switching it up with some creamy comfort food. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta brings the richness of garlic and cheese together in one pot. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, don’t miss our hearty chicken and rice casserole with cream of mushroom soup or the cheesy, satisfying chicken and Ritz cracker casserole. These dishes all highlight savory chicken flavors and make perfect companions in your weekly meal rotation.
Craving More Quick Recipes?
If you love this, don’t miss our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta or these One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Both come together fast and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen (spoiler: you didn’t).
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, trying to impress your partner with minimal effort, or just really don’t want to spend your whole evening at the stove, this garlic butter chicken has your back. From our chaotic kitchen to yours, happy cooking.