These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are super tasty and easy to make! Tender chicken is cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, making every bite full of flavor. Paired with creamy Parmesan pasta, it’s a match made in heaven!
You can whip this up quickly for a weeknight dinner or impress friends at a gathering. I can never resist sneaking bites of the chicken while cooking—who can blame me? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work great too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use tofu or tempeh, seasoned the same way, for a vegetarian twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. You can use ghee for a nutty flavor or even olive oil if you prefer a lighter dish. For a dairy-free version, try vegan butter or coconut oil!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the star in this dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will work, but fresh provides the best flavor. You can also use shallots for a milder flavor if you like.
Pasta: While I typically go for fettuccine, any pasta shape works! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great alternatives, and they’ll still taste fantastic.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without the cheese!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Bites?
Cooking chicken perfectly ensures it’s tender and juicy, so pay attention to these steps:
- Cut chicken into even pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to achieve that nice golden color.
- Cook on medium-high heat, but adjust if your oil starts to smoke.
- Let the chicken rest for a minute before serving. This helps the juices redistribute!
How Can I Make A Creamy Sauce Without It Curdling?
Getting that creamy sauce just right can be tricky, but here’s what to do:
- Use low heat when adding cream to prevent it from curdling.
- Gradually whisk in the cheese after the cream simmers gently to keep it smooth.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water slowly until you reach the desired consistency.
Enjoy your cooking! This dish is bound to become a family favorite.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes to make! You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking. It’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set it aside while you prepare the rest!
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites and cook them until they’re golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce for Chicken:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant (but watch out not to burn it!). Return the chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter until they’re well coated and warmed through. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
4. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce:
Using another large skillet (or cleaning the same skillet), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you find the sauce a bit too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired creaminess. Season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss well to coat everything evenly. Once it’s all mixed, transfer the pasta to plates or a serving dish.
6. Serve:
Top the creamy Parmesan pasta beautifully with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!
This delightful recipe serves about 3-4 people and can be easily doubled for larger groups. Enjoy your meal together!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually juicier and more flavorful than breasts, making them a fantastic choice for this recipe. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for ease of cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or make a mixture of milk and butter (about 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter) to mimic the richness. Keep in mind that the sauce will be less thick in those cases, so adjust the cooking time as needed!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritious benefits. You can sauté them along with the chicken or mix them into the creamy sauce for added texture and color!
