Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

Category: Chicken Recipes

This dish features tasty chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with crunchy asparagus. It’s quick to make and smells amazing while cooking!

You won’t believe how simple it is to impress your family or friends with this one! I love to serve it with rice or pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy the yumminess! 😄

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer, you can swap them for thighs for more flavor or even tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a nice crunch. If it’s out of season, feel free to use green beans or broccoli as they both work well with the garlic butter sauce.

Butter: Unsalted butter provides a rich flavor, but you can use olive oil or vegan butter if you’re looking for a healthier alternative or avoiding dairy.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for its strong flavor, but garlic powder or paste can be used in a pinch. Use about 1 tsp of garlic powder if substituting.

Herbs: While dried Italian herbs work nicely, you can use fresh herbs too! Just toss in about 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for a bolder taste.

How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Bites?

Cooking chicken bites to perfection is all about timing and temperature. Here’s how to do it right:

  • Cut the chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Aim for about 1-inch cubes.
  • Make sure the skillet is hot enough; the oil should shimmer when adding chicken.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan! If needed, cook in batches to ensure good browning.
  • Stir occasionally and check for doneness by cutting one open—it should be white inside and no pink remains. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes on medium-high heat.
  • Once done, set the chicken aside to prevent overcooking while you prepare the asparagus.

Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

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 fresh asparagus, trimmed

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Time Needed:

This delicious meal only takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook! It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and half of the dried Italian herbs. This will help them flavor up nicely. Set aside while you heat up the pan.

2. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken bites. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, and then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes aromatic—be careful not to let it burn!

4. Add the Asparagus:

Now it’s time for the asparagus! Add it to the skillet, and season with salt, pepper, the remaining Italian herbs, and the crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Toss everything together so the asparagus is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce.

5. Cook the Asparagus:

Let the asparagus cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender but still slightly crisp. You want it to have that nice crunch!

6. Combine and Heat Through:

Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Toss everything together so the chicken and asparagus are nicely mixed with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes just to heat everything through and let those flavors meld.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve your delicious garlic butter chicken bites immediately with lemon wedges on the side—you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for a burst of flavor!

Enjoy your flavorful, easy garlic butter chicken bites paired perfectly with tender asparagus!

Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to fully thaw it first. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker thaw. Once thawed, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I Substitute Asparagus with Another Vegetable?

Absolutely! While asparagus adds a nice crunch, you can substitute it with green beans, broccoli, or even bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetable you choose to ensure it stays crisp-tender.

How Should Leftovers Be Stored?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

What Can I Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or quinoa to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. You could also serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

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