These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are juicy and bursting with flavor! Paired with creamy parmesan pasta, this dish is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.
Honestly, who can resist golden chicken bites swimming in garlic butter? I whip this up when I’m short on time but still want a meal that feels fancy. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness, but thighs work well too. For a quick option, try pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cut into pieces. It’s perfect when you’re short on time!
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the flavor, but if you’re out, you could use salted butter and adjust the salt later. Also, ghee or a plant-based butter can be good substitutes if you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the star here but if you only have garlic powder, use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. Just keep in mind that fresh creates a stronger punch of flavor!
Pasta: While fettuccine is my favorite for cream sauces, you can use any pasta you prefer, like penne or bowties. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also work if that aligns better with your dietary needs.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for the sauce, but if you’re in a pinch, the pre-grated version will work. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, though the texture will differ.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Garlic Butter Flavor?
The key to perfect garlic butter chicken bites lies in the cooking process. Start by heating your skillet and oil slowly to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking without burning the garlic. This is how to do it:
- Season your chicken bites well before cooking; this enhances the flavor.
- Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough, to avoid overcrowding which steams the meat instead of browning it.
- Add the garlic after the chicken is cooked through, letting it sauté briefly in the skillet with residual heat. This brings out its fragrance without becoming bitter.
- Finally, toss the chicken together with the garlic butter sauce to make sure every bite is coated.
Taking your time with these steps ensures a rich, delicious flavor in your dish!
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
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes cooking the pasta, 10-15 minutes preparing the chicken, and about 5 minutes making the creamy sauce. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before you drain it, remember to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water—this will help loosen the creamy sauce later! After reserving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken Bites:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken bites, seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the garlic butter sauce. Keep the chicken warm on low heat while you prepare the pasta sauce.
4. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Gently add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat it evenly. Make sure all the pasta is covered in that delicious creamy goodness!
6. Serve Up Your Dish:
On a plate, serve the creamy Parmesan pasta, and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. For an extra pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy your comforting Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is great for creamy sauces, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options work beautifully too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken bites and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cream alternatives, such as coconut cream or cashew cream. For cheese, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor, although the texture will be different. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly with these substitutions!
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Cook it just until it’s golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Also, letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking can help retain moisture before serving!
