These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are juicy pieces of chicken coated in tasty garlic butter! They pair perfectly with creamy Parmesan pasta for a truly delicious meal.
Honestly, who can resist the combo of buttery chicken and cheesy pasta? I always make extra so I have leftovers for lunch the next day. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. I prefer thighs for their extra juiciness! If you’re looking for a healthier option, substitute with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, so you can control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using plant-based butter or olive oil instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch! Use garlic powder if you’re really short on time, about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work well. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta made from brown rice or chickpeas.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan will melt beautifully into the sauce. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option works well too!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken so it Stays Juicy?
Cooking the chicken bites perfectly is essential for this recipe. Here are some key tips to ensure juicy, flavorful pieces:
- Start with chicken pieces that are dry to help them brown nicely. Pat them with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to get a good sear.
- Monitor the heat. Medium-high will give a nice golden-brown color without burning. Adjust as needed.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking. This helps keep it juicy before serving.
Following these tips will give you delightful garlic butter chicken bites that everyone will love!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Garlic Butter 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 Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken and pasta, and then just a few minutes to mix everything together. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (tender but still firm). Once cooked, drain the pasta, but be sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will help enhance their flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken bites. Cook them until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside so you can prepare the garlic butter sauce.
4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce for Chicken:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce, allowing it to absorb all that delicious flavor. Once it’s well-coated, remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the additional two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. Add Parmesan:
Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you find the sauce is too thick, don’t worry! Just add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce, stirring until the pasta is well-coated in the delicious sauce.
8. Serve it Up:
To serve, plate the creamy Parmesan pasta generously, top it with the garlic butter chicken bites, and make it pretty with some freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your homemade meal right away!
Bon appétit! Your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, pat it dry and proceed with the recipe as usual!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut milk, or a vegan cream alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter chicken and creamy Parmesan sauce ahead of time. Simply refrigerate them separately and combine everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
