Fast Buttery Chicken Bites

Featured in Chicken & Turkey Done Right.

Quickly toss tender chicken cubes in seasoned flour, sear until golden, and finish with a buttery garlic sauce. Great for weeknights!
Emily Watson
Updated on Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:24:40 GMT
Golden-brown chicken cubes with parsley sprinkled in a skillet. Pin it
Golden-brown chicken cubes with parsley sprinkled in a skillet. | thefamilycooks.com

I gotta tell you about my dinner game-changer - these Buttery Garlic Chicken Chunks! Found this one when life got crazy busy and now it's what I turn to when time's tight but I still want something yummy. The way those juicy chicken bits get coated in that buttery garlic mixture is just incredible and takes no effort!

What Makes This Dish Special

This has honestly been my lifesaver when evening chaos hits! It's surprising how just a handful of basic ingredients can turn into something so tasty. And guess what? It's ready in just 15 minutes but tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen. That buttery garlic coating brings everyone running to eat in no time!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Chicken Breasts: Slice them into similar-sized chunks for that juicy tenderness!
  • All Purpose Flour: Just a bit for that lovely light dusting.
  • Italian Seasoning: My quick trick for packing in flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Be generous with your seasonings.
  • Olive Oil: Helps those chicken pieces turn beautifully brown.
  • Butter: The foundation of our amazing sauce.
  • Garlic: Freshly chopped makes the biggest impact.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings nice brightness and pop of color.

Let's Get Cooking

Prep Those Bites
Start by slicing those chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Dry them well with paper towels which really helps get that wonderful golden exterior!
Season for Success
Mix your chicken in the flour and spice blend making sure all pieces get an even coating.
Golden Perfection
Heat your pan with a mix of butter and olive oil. When you add the chicken pieces, you want to hear that sizzle sound! Make sure they've got room to brown nicely.
Sauce Magic
Now comes the best part! Toss in the butter and fresh garlic and watch it transform into the most delicious sauce. A quick toss and you're ready to eat!

My Best Tips

  • Space is Key: Give your chicken pieces breathing room so they brown instead of steam.
  • Fresh is Best: Don't skimp on real garlic instead of powder for this one!
  • Make it Yours: Switch up the seasonings till you find what your family loves.
  • Try Thighs: I sometimes swap in chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Perfect Pairings

That buttery sauce is too good to waste a drop! We love these chunks over fluffy couscous or with some crusty bread to soak everything up. Throw in some quick-cooked broccoli or a simple green salad and you've got the whole meal sorted!

Keep It Fresh

You can keep these chicken chunks in your fridge for a couple days no problem. Just warm them up slowly to keep that sauce nice and smooth. They even freeze well for those super busy nights ahead and taste great when reheated!

A plate of golden-brown, seasoned chicken pieces served with fluffy rice and garnished with herbs. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown, seasoned chicken pieces served with fluffy rice and garnished with herbs. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why dry the chicken first?
Patting the chicken dry makes it coat with flour better and helps it brown beautifully during cooking.
→ Can I use more herbs?
Totally! Add extra parsley for a stronger herb kick or a little lemon juice at the end to make it pop.
→ What sides go well with this?
Pair it with couscous and veggies—try asparagus, broccoli, or squash for a delicious, balanced meal.
→ Why not crowd the pan?
Keeping space between pieces stops them from steaming and lets them crisp up nicely.
→ How do I tell when it’s ready?
The chicken’s inside should be 165°F and juices clear. Around 6 minutes should do the trick!

Buttery Garlic Chicken

Tender chicken cooked in garlic butter sauce, browned to perfection. A fast, tasty option for busy evenings.

Prep Time
9 Minutes
Cook Time
6 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 3 Servings (1 1/4 pounds of bite-sized chicken pieces)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 1 1/4 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, diced into chunks about 1 1/4 inches.
02 2 tablespoons plain flour.
03 A teaspoon and a half of Italian herbs.
04 A pinch of salt and some black pepper, freshly cracked.
05 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
06 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, split into portions.
07 4 garlic cloves, minced into 1 1/2 tablespoons.
08 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (fresh is best).

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 02

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Toss it with flour, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Step 03

Melt a tablespoon of butter with oil in the skillet, then add chicken in an even layer, spacing pieces apart.

Step 04

Let the chicken cook for about 3 minutes to crisp up one side. Flip the pieces and cook another 2 minutes.

Step 05

Stir in the last butter portion, garlic, and parsley. Let it all cook for a minute until chicken is at 165°F inside.

Notes

  1. Double up on parsley if you like a strong herb taste.
  2. A little squeeze of lemon juice makes a nice touch.
  3. Tastes great alongside veggies or couscous.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 12-inch skillet with a non-stick surface.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Butter contains dairy.
  • Flour includes wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 394
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 42 g