Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

These garlic Parmesan chicken bites are what dinner dreams are made of!

Golden-brown, tender pieces of chicken are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with plenty of fresh Parmesan cheese. 

I love how versatile this dish is. Pair it with fluffy rice, twirl it into pasta, or keep it light with a crisp salad. You can’t go wrong!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or when you just need a little comfort on your plate. 

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for busy families, this recipe requires just 30 minutes and one skillet to prepare.

Savory Sensation: The combination of golden-brown chicken, nutty Parmesan, and buttery garlic creates an irresistible taste. It hits all the right notes!

Elevated Comfort Food: This dish goes beyond ordinary chicken recipes to deliver a satisfying, restaurant-worthy experience at home.

Versatile: The dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Try it with pasta, rice, salad, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, while breasts provide a leaner option.
  
• Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: A classic trio of seasonings creates a savory foundation.
  
• Unsalted Butter: It creates a rich, golden sear on the chicken and forms the base of the garlic sauce. 
  
• Garlic: It adds a bold, aromatic flavor and intensifies when gently cooked in butter.
  
• Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nutty, salty finish and creates a light coating on the chicken.
  
• Fresh Parsley: It adds a bright, fresh flavor and appealing green color as a finishing touch. 

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

This dish feels gourmet, but it’s so easy to whip up!

1. Prepare the chicken. In a large bowl, season the chicken evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat.

2. Cook the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes. It should be golden brown and easily release from the skillet. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes or until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate. Melt 1 more tablespoon of butter in the skillet and repeat with the remaining chicken.

3. Sauté the garlic. Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

4. Coat the chicken in garlic butter. Return all the chicken and any juices on the plate to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken in the garlic butter.

5. Add the cheese and garnish. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the chicken is well coated. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese as desired.

6. Serve. Serve warm with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

Follow these tips for a chicken dish everyone will devour.

• Choose the best chicken. For the juiciest results, chicken thighs work better than breasts. But either option works well. If using breast meat, be extra careful not to overcook.
  
• Put in some elbow grease. Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for better melting and more authentic flavor.
  
• Keep things uniform. Cut the chicken pieces into consistent 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
  
• Don’t overcrowd! Cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming instead of browning. Each piece should have space around it.
  
• Leave it alone. Resist the urge to move the chicken pieces during the initial 4-minute sear to develop a proper golden-brown crust.
  
• Spice it up. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. Or incorporate Italian seasoning for extra flavor depth.
  
• Serve it your way. Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. They also work as a party appetizer with toothpicks.

How to Store

If you have leftover chicken, follow these steps to store it.

To Store: Place cooled chicken bites in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Be sure they’re completely cool before storing to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.

To Freeze: Place completely cooled chicken bites in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. For the best results, wrap individual portions separately to make thawing easier.

To Reheat: Warm the chicken bites in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals until hot, though it’ll be slightly less crispy.