20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Juicy, Tender, and Irresistible

Juicy garlic butter chicken bites ready in just 20 minutes! These tender, bite-sized pieces are perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or appetizers with amazing flavor.

Prep Time: 8 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized cubes, removing any fat or tendons. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season: In large bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
3. Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Cook Chicken: Add seasoned chicken pieces in single layer, don’t overcrowd. Cook 2-3 minutes without moving until golden brown.
5. Flip and Continue: Turn chicken pieces and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden on all sides and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Make the Sauce: Push chicken to one side of pan. Add butter to empty side and let melt. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Combine: Add chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze pan. Toss chicken with garlic butter sauce.
8. Finish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to perfect garlic butter chicken bites is high heat and proper seasoning. Cutting chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking, while the dry seasoning blend creates a flavorful crust. Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding, which would steam the chicken instead of creating that golden sear. The garlic butter sauce is added at the end to prevent burning while still allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Nutritional Benefits

These chicken bites are a lean protein powerhouse, providing approximately 28g of protein per serving with only 220 calories. Chicken breast is rich in niacin for energy metabolism and selenium for immune function. The garlic provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, while the minimal use of butter keeps the dish relatively low in saturated fat. Perfect for those following high-protein or low-carb diets.

Pro Tips & Techniques

• Uniform Size: Cut chicken into equal-sized pieces for even cooking
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches to maintain high heat and avoid steaming
• Fresh Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for best flavor – jarred garlic can burn easily
• Temperature Check: Use instant-read thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature
• Rest Before Cutting: Let chicken rest 2-3 minutes to retain juices
• Double the Batch: These freeze beautifully for meal prep

Recipe Variations & Serving Ideas

• Italian Style: Add dried oregano, basil, and parmesan cheese
• Cajun Twist: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne
• Herb Butter: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage with the parsley
• Creamy Version: Add 2 tbsp heavy cream to create rich sauce
• Mediterranean: Serve over Greek orzo with feta and olives
• Low-Carb: Pair with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Store cooked chicken bites in refrigerator up to 4 days in airtight container. Reheat in skillet over medium heat with splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. For meal prep, portion with rice and vegetables in containers. These chicken bites freeze well up to 3 months – thaw overnight and reheat gently. The garlic butter sauce can be made ahead and stored separately.