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creamy garlic butter chicken bites recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

These garlic butter chicken bites are juicy, creamy, and packed with rich garlic flavor — the perfect 20-minute dinner for busy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 345

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into small bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or frying pan
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Mixing bowl (for seasoning the chicken)
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups + measuring spoons
  • 1 Small whisk (optional, for the sauce)
  • 1 Serving bowl or plate

Method
 

Season the chicken:
  1. Add the chicken bites to a bowl and season with paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat.
Cook the chicken:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce:
  1. In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cream and broth:
  1. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine:
  1. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes so the sauce thickens and coats every bite.
Serve:
  1. Garnish with parsley and serve over rice, pasta, potatoes, or with warm bread.

Notes

🍽️ What to Serve With It

  • White rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Garlic bread
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Butter noodles
  • Roasted vegetables

🔁 Substitutions

  • No heavy cream? Use half-and-half.
  • No parmesan? Use cheddar or leave it out.
  • Want less calories? Use light cream.
  • Prefer dark meat? Use chicken thighs.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Cut chicken into even-size pieces for faster cooking
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan — it keeps the chicken crispy
  • Add red pepper flakes for heat
  • Simmer the sauce on medium heat so it doesn’t split

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats beautifully. Store in the fridge for 3 days.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely — they stay even juicier.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese.

What can I replace cream with?

Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or whole milk with a teaspoon of cornstarch.
Leftovers of these garlic butter chicken bites taste even better the next day.