These Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tasty little pieces of chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served with crunchy asparagus. It’s a quick meal that’s big on flavor!
Who doesn’t love a dish that cooks in one pan? I always feel like a chef when dinner is this simple, and the smell of garlic wafting through the kitchen is just the best! 🍗🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe, but thighs work just as well for extra juiciness. If you need a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken—just add it at the end to warm up!
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is key for this dish. If asparagus isn’t in season, green beans or even broccoli can be fantastic substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re perfectly tender.
Butter: Unsalted butter brings that rich flavor, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, try using olive oil instead. It still tastes great while giving the dish a lighter touch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work. Use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove for a quick substitution. I love the fragrance that fills the kitchen when fresh garlic is used!
How Can I Perfectly Sauté Chicken Bites?
Sautéing the chicken bites evenly is essential for great flavor and texture. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary to give each piece enough space.
- Look for a golden-brown color on one side before flipping. This helps lock in those juices.
Perfectly cooked chicken bites should be golden on the outside and moist on the inside—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Asparagus:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or a mix of dried oregano and thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking time, making it a 30-minute meal in total. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner on busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Asparagus:
Start by snapping off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus. This part is inedible and can be easily removed by just bending the stalk until it snaps naturally. Set the prepared asparagus aside for later.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up for about a minute.
3. Season the Chicken:
While the skillet is heating, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and the dried Italian herbs. This will give your chicken a wonderful flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they’re nicely browned on one side. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it’s fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Let it melt gently. Once melted, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
6. Cook the Asparagus:
Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for around 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still has a nice crispness to it. Make sure to turn it occasionally to coat with the garlic butter.
7. Combine Chicken and Asparagus:
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Stir everything together for about 1-2 minutes to heat through and mix the flavors well.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh touch. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze over your garlic butter chicken and asparagus!
Enjoy this quick, delicious, and perfectly garlicky meal that’s great for weeknights!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results. For fastest thawing, place the frozen chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 1-2 hours.
What If I Don’t Have Asparagus?
No worries! If asparagus isn’t available, you can substitute it with green beans, broccoli, or even zucchini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; broccoli may take a bit longer, while zucchini will cook quicker!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and trim the asparagus up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Just cook them together when you are ready to enjoy your meal!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You may want to add a splash of water or a little extra butter to keep it moist.
