Need a speedy high-protein option for dinner? These Garlic Chicken Bites feature tender chicken breast cooked in a simple herbed garlic butter sauce and are ready in just 20 minutes! Enjoy on top of salads, inside wraps, in a rice bowl with veggies. Also great for meal prep!
Confession: I’ve made this recipe THREE times in the last two weeks. I create new recipes all the time, so for me to keep going back to this one means it’s gotta be good! What’s not to love about an easy, high-protein chicken recipe made with simple ingredients that comes together in just 20 minutes?!
Start by tossing bite-sized chicken pieces with flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat some olive oil and butter in a skillet, then lay the chicken pieces out. Cook for a couple of minutes on each side, then stir in more butter, garlic, and parsley for that extra zing. In no time, you’ll have delicious, golden chicken bites ready to pair with your favorite sides. Simple, quick, and tasty!
You have options for what type of chicken you want to use. Chicken breast and chicken thighs offer different flavors and textures. Chicken breast is lean and mild, cooking quickly and soaking up flavors, making it a lighter and higher protein choice. Chicken thighs, on the other hand, are fattier, which makes them juicier and more flavorful, adding richness to the dish. Whether you choose chicken breast or thighs can change how moist and flavorful your chicken bites turn out. I highly recommend using chicken thighs for the extra flavor, but I promise you they are delicious no matter what you use!
Garlic butter chicken is a truly versatile dish. It can be used in so many different ways which makes it excellent for meal prep throughout the week to enjoy healthy lunches and dinners. Here are my favorite ways to use these tender bites!
Wraps: Throw them into a tortilla with lettuce and tomato for a quick lunch.
Stir Fry: Toss them into a skillet with your favorite veggies for a high-protein stir fry.
Salads: Chop and add them to greens for a hearty chicken salad.
Rice Bowls: Serve on top of steamed rice with veggies and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
Pasta: Mix into your favorite pasta dish with a creamy or tomato-based sauce.
Pizza Topping: Use as a hearty topping on homemade pizzas.
Sandwiches: Add into sandwiches with mayo, lettuce, and tomato.
Quesadillas: Fill quesadillas with cheese and chicken, then grill until crispy.
Soup Add-In: Stir into soups or stews for extra flavor and texture.
Breakfast Scramble: Combine with eggs for a protein-packed breakfast scramble.
Bite-Sized Boneless Chicken(breast or thighs) – Serves as the main protein, providing a juicy and tender base that easily absorbs all the flavor.
All Purpose Flour – Coats the chicken, helping to create a light crust that holds onto the seasoning.
Seasoning (Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper) – Adds a blend of herbs and spices, adding savory flavors to the chicken.
Olive Oil & Butter – The olive oil provides a healthy fat for frying, while butter adds richness and flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
Minced Garlic – Delivers a strong, aromatic punch that infuses the chicken with a bold garlic flavor.
Freshly Chopped Parsley – Adds a pop of color and a fresh, garden taste that complements the richness of the other ingredients.
Prepare the chicken: Trim any excess fat off of the chicken, then pat each side dry with paper towels. Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces.
Season the chicken: Add the chicken bites to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Then, add in the flour and dry seasonings. Toss until the chicken is coated on all sides with the seasoned flour.
Cook the chicken: Place the butter and olive oil in a large skillet and heat over medium-high until the butter is melted and the oil is shiny. Add the floured chicken in a single even layer with space in between to prevent steaming. Cook on each side for 2 minutes. After flipping, add the remaining butter along with the minced garlic and parsley. Cook for one more minute to let the flavors develop.
Remove and serve: Take the chicken off the heat and out of the pan. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving and enjoying with your favorite side dishes.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating it in flour to make sure the coating sticks better and fries up crispier.
Heat the oil and butter in the skillet until the butter is fully melted and sizzling to create the perfect base for frying.
Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer with space in between to prevent steaming so they get a golden crust.
Flip the chicken only once during cooking to allow a crust to form properly on each side.
Add the garlic and parsley towards the end of cooking to prevent them from burning while still releasing their flavors.
Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the butter from burning, aiming for a medium-high temperature throughout cooking.
Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps the chicken cook evenly.
Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving to let the juices redistribute.
Clean the skillet immediately after use to avoid stuck-on residue from the flour and seasoning.
Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spices to give the chicken bites a spicy kick that pairs well with a cool dipping sauce like ranch.
Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option that adds a nutty flavor.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the chicken after cooking for a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness.
Mix chopped rosemary and thyme into the seasoning for additional fresh herb taste.
Add smoked paprika into the flour mixture to give the chicken a smoky flavor.
Top the finished chicken bites with grated Parmesan for a cheesy, savory finish.
Stir in a tablespoon of honey with the garlic and parsley to create a sweet and savory glaze.
Replace kosher salt with soy sauce in the seasoning mix to infuse the chicken with umami flavors.
Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken bites by spreading them on a baking sheet and placing them in the freezer until solid. Transfer the frozen bites to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep them for up to three months. This method prevents the bites from sticking together, making it easy to portion them out as needed.
Reheating: To reheat the chicken bites, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Or air fry them for 5-8 minutes at 325F until warmed through.
What can I do if my chicken bites aren’t browning in the skillet?
Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken, and do not overcrowd the pan. An overcrowded pan can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, preventing that golden crust from forming.
Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it is completely thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture before coating it with flour and seasonings.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic during the last minute of cooking to prevent it from burning. Keep stirring once added to distribute the garlic evenly and expose it to less direct heat.
Easy recipe for chicken that will become a new staple in your house! Perfect for meal plans or a quick dinner.
1 1/4 lbs. boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 Tablespoon olive oil
3 Tablespoons butter
1 1/2 Tablespoons minced garlic
2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
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