These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are juicy and full of flavor, cooked to perfection with a delightful buttery garlic sauce. Pair them with creamy Parmesan pasta for a dreamy meal!
You won’t believe how easy this is to make. I love how the chicken and pasta come together in just one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier, but both work well. If you want to go meatless, try firm tofu for a vegetarian option!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness in your dish. If you’re looking to cut calories, opt for a light butter or even olive oil for sautéing, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Pasta: Fettuccine and linguine are great choices, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand! Whole grain or gluten-free pasta can be good substitutes as well, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture. If needed, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or even nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative!
How Do I Cook the Chicken Bites Perfectly?
Getting juicy chicken bites is all about cooking them just right. Start with pieces that are uniform in size for even cooking. Here’s how:
- Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to punch up the flavor.
- Place the chicken in the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they brown nicely.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and no pink remains. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
After cooking, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving to seal in that juiciness. Enjoy these tasty bites with the creamy pasta for a satisfying meal!
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
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take approximately 30 minutes! The pasta and chicken cook up quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to save 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining and setting the pasta aside!
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This will add flavor to the chicken bites.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in your seasoned chicken bites. Cook these for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add in 4 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Cook it for about 1-2 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing, taking care to stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Add the chicken back into the skillet and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Toss the chicken around to make sure it gets coated in that delicious garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and keep warm.
6. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce:
In another large pan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Add the Cream:
Now pour in the heavy cream while stirring frequently. Allow it to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.
8. Incorporate the Cheese:
Lower the heat and start adding the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce turns smooth. If you find the sauce getting too thick, add in a little reserved pasta water until it’s perfect.
9. Mix the Pasta and Sauce:
Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and give it a good toss until everything is well coated.
10. Combine and Serve:
Plate your creamy Parmesan pasta, then top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Finally, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch.
Enjoy your flavorful homemade meal! This dish is comfort food at its best, with juicy chicken and creamy pasta coming together in perfect harmony. 🌿🍝
FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before cooking. For a quicker thaw, you can seal the chicken in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the pasta sauces ahead and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in the skillet and the sauce on low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring the sauce back to life!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little splash of cream or water to help rehydrate the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the vegetables or tofu to ensure they are cooked through and flavorful!
