This dish features tender chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with crisp asparagus. It’s quick to make and feels fancy without the fuss!
I love how the garlic butter brings everything together—it’s hard not to sneak extra bites of the chicken! And as a bonus, the asparagus adds a bright pop of color and flavor. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein. If you prefer, chicken thighs are juicier and can be used instead. You can also use pre-cooked chicken for a faster option.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is best for this dish. If it’s out of season, green beans or broccoli can work as great alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is recommended for its strong flavor. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder—1/8 tsp per clove—but fresh is always the best choice.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level. Coconut oil or ghee can be used for a dairy-free option.
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix equal parts of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken so it stays juicy can sometimes be challenging. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Heat your skillet well before adding oil and chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this prevents steaming and allows even browning.
- Cook until golden and no longer pink in the middle—about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Following these tips will give you tender and flavorful chicken bites every time!
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Asparagus:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 25 minutes. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus so they’re tender and ready to eat.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Heat over medium-high until melted and bubbling, which helps give the chicken a nice sear.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the middle. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Add Garlic and Asparagus:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the trimmed asparagus and sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the asparagus. Gently toss everything together so that the chicken and asparagus are coated in the lovely garlic butter sauce. If you’re using crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, sprinkle them in now and stir well.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve your garlic butter chicken bites with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top—it adds a wonderful zing!
Enjoy this flavorful, quick meal of garlic butter chicken bites paired beautifully with tender asparagus! It’s a delightful dish you’ll want to make again and again!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry before cutting to ensure it cooks evenly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil. This way, you can still enjoy that rich flavor without using dairy ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Asparagus?
No problem! If you don’t have asparagus on hand, you can easily replace it with green beans, broccoli, or even bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as different vegetables may cook at different rates.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and prevent the asparagus from getting too soft.
