Easy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Name: Easy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried basil; ½ tsp sweet paprika; ½ tsp salt; Freshly ground pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 18, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a perfectly seared chicken breast, coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce with hints of fresh herbs. It’s the kind of meal that feels both elegant and effortless, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner with loved ones.

I first fell in love with garlic butter chicken during my childhood. My grandmother, an expert in creating rich, flavorful meals from simple ingredients, would cook chicken in a cast-iron skillet, letting the garlic and herbs infuse the butter as it melted. The entire kitchen would be filled with an irresistible aroma, and I would eagerly wait to dip a piece of warm bread into the extra sauce left on the plate.

Now, every time I make this Garlic Butter Herb Chicken, I’m reminded of those cozy family meals. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something deeply satisfying—just good-quality chicken, fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and butter that melts into a silky, flavorful sauce.

Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Stands Out

1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

This dish is all about the balance of rich and aromatic flavors. The buttery sauce combined with garlic, basil, and oregano creates a savory, slightly sweet depth that enhances the natural taste of the chicken.

2. Crispy Yet Tender Chicken

Dredging the chicken in a light coating of flour and seasoning creates a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few basic ingredients and 25 minutes, you can prepare a dish that tastes like something from a fine dining restaurant.

4. Versatile and Customizable

This chicken pairs well with nearly any side dish, from mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to pasta and rice.

5. A One-Pan Wonder

Cooking the chicken and sauce in the same skillet not only builds deeper flavor but also makes cleanup super easy.

Ingredients for a Savory, Golden-Browned Chicken

For the Chicken:

20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped

Step-by-Step Directions for a Perfectly Seared Chicken

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
Dredge the chicken breasts lightly in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Sear for a Golden Crust

Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped parsley, letting the flavors meld for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top.
Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~5g
Protein: ~45g
Fat: ~14g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Fiber: ~0.5g
Sodium: ~400mg

This Garlic Butter Herb Chicken is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with rich, savory flavors. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or over a fresh salad for a wholesome and delicious dish!

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken

Cooking chicken properly can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get perfect results every time.

1. Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts of Even Thickness

If your chicken breasts are too thick, they won’t cook evenly. Either pound them gently or slice them in half lengthwise to create uniform pieces.

2. Don’t Skip the Flour Coating

A thin dusting of flour helps create a light crust, giving the chicken a golden-brown finish while also thickening the garlic butter sauce slightly.

3. Sear Over Medium Heat for Even Cooking

Cooking chicken too fast on high heat can burn the exterior before the inside is fully cooked. Instead, use medium heat and let it develop a beautiful crust.

4. Fresh Garlic is Key

While garlic powder can be used in a pinch, fresh minced garlic delivers the best flavor, infusing the butter with its signature aroma.

5. Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving

Resting the chicken for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.

Delicious Ways to Customize This Recipe

While this Garlic Butter Herb Chicken is fantastic as-is, there are plenty of ways to adjust the flavors to suit your taste.

1. Add a Splash of Lemon

For a bright, citrusy finish, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving. This adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the butter.

2. Make It Creamy

If you prefer a richer sauce, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end for a creamy garlic butter sauce.

3. Add More Heat

Like things spicy? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give the dish an extra kick.

4. Swap the Herbs

While oregano and basil add a classic Mediterranean touch, you can substitute them with:

Thyme for an earthy taste.
Rosemary for a more robust, pine-like flavor.
Cilantro for a fresher, citrusy note.

5. Use Chicken Thighs Instead

Prefer dark meat? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and add an extra juicy texture.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken

A great dish deserves great sides. Here are some of the best pairings for Garlic Butter Herb Chicken:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the rich, buttery sauce, soaking up all that garlicky goodness.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add a colorful, nutritious touch to the meal.

3. Lemon Butter Rice

A simple side of fluffy rice with a hint of lemon and herbs makes for a fresh and satisfying pairing.

4. Crispy Bread or Dinner Rolls

A crusty baguette or warm rolls are perfect for scooping up extra garlic butter sauce.

5. Light Salad

A fresh salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic dressing balances the richness of the chicken beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish is just as delicious the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Storing:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If freezing, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a pan with a small splash of water or broth.
Microwave: Heat in short 30-second intervals to prevent drying out.
Oven: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use butter instead of olive oil?

Yes! While olive oil adds a slight earthiness, you can use all butter for an even richer flavor.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

4. What’s the best way to thicken the garlic butter sauce?

If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in ½ teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water before adding the butter.

5. Can I cook this in the oven instead of a skillet?

Yes! You can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked, then drizzle with melted garlic butter.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Chicken Recipe for Any Occasion

This Garlic Butter Herb Chicken is proof that a few simple ingredients can create a rich, flavorful, and elegant dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting yet easy-to-make meal, this recipe delivers incredible results every time.

The combination of perfectly seared chicken, fragrant garlic butter, and aromatic herbs makes it a meal you’ll want to cook again and again. Plus, with so many customization options, you can easily adjust it to your taste.

So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this garlic butter chicken a try—it might just become a new favorite in your home!