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Garlic butter chicken bites — golden seared chicken cubes tossed in garlic butter sauce with parsley in a cast-iron skillet, overhead shot

15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Tender chicken breast cubes seared golden and tossed in a glossy garlic butter sauce with lemon and parsley. Ready in 15 minutes, one pan.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes ​
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt ​
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ​
  • 1 teaspoon paprika ​
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ​
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil ​
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter ​
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ​
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ​
  • 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan optional

Method
 

  1. 0
  2. Cut chicken into even 1-inch cubes and pat very dry with paper towels. Toss with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron ideal) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken in a single uncrowded layer, 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden. Cook in batches if needed.
  4. Check the largest piece with an instant-read thermometer — it should read 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the same pan until foaming; add garlic and stir 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not let it brown).
  6. Return chicken and any juices to the pan; toss 1 minute until coated in garlic butter. Finish with lemon juice, parsley, and parmesan (if using). Serve immediately.

Notes

Dry the chicken thoroughly before searing — surface moisture steams instead of browns. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches for a real crust. Garlic burns fast: 30–45 seconds max. Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated and freeze up to 2 months.