Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon grated garlic (from about 6 garlic cloves); 1/4 cup dry white wine; 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed; 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice fresh (from 1 lemon); Chopped parsley

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This fast and flavorful recipe will take your weeknight chicken dinner to the next level. These tender, pan-seared chicken bites, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of lemon, are perfect for tossing with pasta or serving alongside your favorite side dish. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal that's sure to impress, even on the busiest nights. Grating the garlic releases more flavor and aroma into the sauce, while the lemon juice brightens all the flavors, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare!

Ingredients (for 4 servings)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon grated garlic (from about 6 garlic cloves)
1/4 cup dry white wine
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients on your countertop. This will make the cooking process quicker and smoother.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and granulated garlic until fully combined. Add the chicken pieces and toss until they are evenly coated with the flour mixture.

Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Add the coated chicken pieces in an even layer, making sure they don't overlap. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, until they are browned on one side.

Step 4: Flip the chicken pieces and continue to cook for another 4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium and add the grated garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly browned.

Step 6: Pour in the dry white wine, and stir frequently as it simmers. Let the wine cook until most of it has evaporated, about 2 minutes.

Step 7: Add the cubed butter and fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Stir until the butter is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth, about 1 more minute.

Step 8: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the garlic butter sauce until it is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.

Step 9: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C) for 5 minutes. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the chicken pieces in an even layer. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. Cook for about 14 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 380
Total Fat: 22g (29% DV)
Saturated Fat: 9g (46% DV)
Cholesterol: 127mg (42% DV)
Sodium: 403mg (18% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 5g (2% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% DV)
Total Sugars: 0g
Protein: 36g (72% DV)
Vitamin C: 2mg (3% DV)
Calcium: 32mg (2% DV)
Iron: 2mg (9% DV)
Potassium: 330mg (7% DV)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

The History and Origins of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a modern evolution of classic European-style pan-seared chicken recipes. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon is deeply rooted in French and Italian culinary traditions, where aromatics and fat are used to enhance the natural flavor of poultry. Although the dish in its current bite-sized form is relatively recent, it reflects centuries-old techniques of sauting chicken in butter and finishing with fresh herbs and citrus to create a bright, flavorful sauce. Its rise in popularity in home kitchens is largely due to the demand for quick, weeknight-friendly meals that still feel indulgent.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are widely prepared in American kitchens today, regional adaptations can be found. In Southern United States cooking, for example, some variations use a heavier butter base and add paprika or cayenne for subtle heat. Mediterranean versions may incorporate a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh rosemary, reflecting local herb usage. In Asia, particularly in fusion recipes, the butter may be replaced with sesame oil, and garlic is often combined with ginger for an added aromatic layer. These variations all share the same principle: tender chicken enveloped in a rich, fragrant sauce.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are distinct from traditional chicken recipes such as chicken piccata or chicken marsala. Unlike chicken piccata, which emphasizes capers and a lemon-white wine sauce, this dish prioritizes the richness of butter infused with garlic. Compared to chicken marsala, which uses sweet Marsala wine, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites rely on dry white wine to subtly enhance flavor without overpowering the garlic-butter base. Its bite-sized format also sets it apart from whole or sliced chicken breast recipes, making it ideal for casual dining or appetizer-style servings.

Typical Serving Occasions

This dish is extremely versatile and can be served in various settings. It is popular for quick weeknight dinners because it cooks in under 30 minutes. Additionally, its presentation makes it suitable for casual gatherings or family-style meals, often paired with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. Some restaurants serve it as a tapas-style appetizer, capitalizing on the bite-sized nature of the chicken. Its rich, savory sauce ensures that even small portions are satisfying, making it a favorite in both home kitchens and dining establishments.

Interesting Facts About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

The dishs popularity surged with the growth of air fryers, which allow for quick, even cooking while maintaining a crisp exterior.
Grating the garlic instead of mincing releases more oils, creating a deeper, more aromatic sauce.
Lemon juice is not just for flavor; it also tenderizes the chicken slightly while balancing the richness of the butter.
Many home cooks experiment with variations, such as adding Parmesan, herbs like thyme or parsley, or a splash of cream for extra richness.
Despite its simple ingredients, this recipe consistently receives high praise for both taste and ease, making it a staple in modern American cooking.

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FAQ about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a skillet over low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.

Yes, you can freeze the chicken bites. Allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or oven.

These chicken bites go well with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes or sautéed greens for a complete meal.

Yes, you can substitute white wine with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a splash of lemon juice mixed with water. Some people also use dry vermouth or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

To get crispier chicken, you can dredge the chicken pieces in a bit of cornstarch or use a light coating of breadcrumbs before pan-frying. You can also try cooking the chicken in an air fryer for a crispier texture.

The original recipe uses flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the chicken.

To scale the recipe, simply increase the amounts of chicken, flour, seasoning, and sauce ingredients proportionally. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and toss it in the sauce before serving.

If you don't have Italian seasoning, you can use a mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Adjust to your taste preferences.

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The thighs will have a slightly richer flavor and will stay juicier, though the cooking time might be slightly longer.

Comments

melissadeboer84

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I made the mistake of putting the wine in with the garlic before allowing it to brown but it still turned out great and everyone loved it. It was so tender and delicious

SwiftTofu5029

10/14/2024 11:22:34 PM

Easy and delicious!! I cooked the chicken in the air fryer and prepared the sauce while it cooked. I substituted the wine with chicken broth and added some extra cold butter after removing sauce from heat to thicken sauce!

Joanie Sumner

09/05/2024 01:35:26 PM

Chicken took more work than I had hoped, but the family all loved it. I did trade the flour for cornstarch to get a bit more color on my chicken, it was well worth it. Served with fluffy rice and drizzled the remaining sauce over it along with broccoli. Clean plates all around.

keith

04/21/2025 09:18:14 AM

Fantastic recipe. I followed it pretty closely, but removed the chicken a second time after tossing in butter sauce. I then added cooked linguine and some grated Parmesan (and a bit of pasta water) to make a beautiful base for the chicken, which I served on top of the pasta.

DREGINEK

11/24/2024 04:28:52 PM

This chicken - as cooked in steps 1-3 - are amazing on their own! Like perfect homemade chicken nuggets or popcorn bites! I had to refrain myself from snacking on them while I reduced the wine. 😂 I will definitely make this part of the recipe again! The sauce…..I think is a tad too lemony but still very good. Added some chopped green onions when I added back the chicken to the sauce. Served over rice pilaf, which was a delicious combo. It is relatively quick and easy so this makes for a good weeknight meal. Glad I tried! Thanks Amanda H!

Karen

10/21/2024 05:29:03 AM

Substituted chicken broth for the wine. Tasty!

KelliontheCoast

10/27/2024 10:34:52 PM

I reduced the salt to about 2/3 teaspoon because it just seemed like too much. It was really good. We will putting this into our weekly rotation.

Iwnbb

01/11/2025 06:47:14 PM

I make this regularly, as written, and the family loves it. Also works great (only adjusting times) with fish like barramundi. I usually serve with basmati rice and wilted spinach (quick wilt in the emptied, but unwashed, chicken pan so it grabs the yummy garlic, lemon, butter flavors.) Occasionally, just to mix it up a bit, I add a touch of cumin and coriander to the dredging flour. REALLY good. Surprising how well they marry to the lemon butter sauce.

Bonnie Sayre Venable

03/15/2025 06:00:55 PM

great recipe. When i don’t have white wine, i substitute dry vermouth! it’s a great substitute for any dish that calls for white wine.

Gail

01/14/2025 02:03:51 AM

Loved the flavours. I added sautéed mushrooms. Will definitely make again

FluffySpoon9706

10/09/2024 07:29:35 PM

I would use a little more butter to have more to coat chicken.

kimgonmc

09/09/2025 12:31:54 AM

My family loves this recipe!! I have made it twice, so far, and it has been a HIT! Works well with rice or pasta. Such a great recipe and I'm glad I found it.

Chris

07/30/2025 02:04:56 AM

Great 👍

Southerncooker

07/29/2025 01:11:09 AM

This was awesome, though I can't see how it would serve 4. I doubled the recipe (3 boneless chicken breasts total) - doubled the sauce - and we only had a few pieces left - we are average eaters, so I was surprised it only called for a pound. Will definitely make this part of our rotation!

Expat

06/26/2025 12:48:45 AM

I really liked this dish. I did use the air fryer to cook the chicken and it worked out very well. This is definitely a dish I would make again. The chicken was delicious and the sauce very tasty. I usually don’t do anything different when I first make a new recipe, but I did add a little cream at the very end and the whole thing was excellent !!

AmberThyme1553

05/27/2025 02:48:51 AM

Took a little longer since I was cooking for 8. All plates cleaned!!

Sue Arquette

05/18/2025 03:43:37 PM

delicious. you better like garlic. which I do.

Donna Harrington

01/17/2025 07:18:09 PM

Great flavor combo. I love salt but cut back a little 2nd time and used unsalted butter. Used cornstarch to make it gluten free. Loved it!

Jerry Roberts

01/16/2025 12:13:02 AM

Even reheated leftovers tasted amazing.

valarias

01/14/2025 03:25:49 AM

I used chicken broth with splash of vinegar in place of the wine. Flavor was great!

Cook Time: 50 minutes