These garlic butter chicken bites are tender and packed with flavor, making dinner a breeze! Paired with creamy parmesan pasta, it’s a dish that feels fancy but is so easy to make.
Honestly, who can resist a dish that’s both cheesy and garlicky? I love serving it with a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but nice enough for guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean meat. However, if you’re looking for more flavor, chicken thighs are a great choice! They stay juicier during cooking. You can also use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for this recipe, allowing you to control the saltiness. If you want to cut calories, swap some butter with olive oil or use a vegan butter alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that delicious aroma and taste. If fresh garlic isn’t available, you could use garlic powder, but keep in mind it won’t give the same fresh flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings the best flavor and creaminess to the sauce. Grated cheese from a container can work, but I always recommend fresh if you can. For a non-dairy option, a nut-based Parmesan could also work.
Pasta: Fettuccine is great, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand, like penne or spaghetti. Quinoa or zucchini noodles are also nice gluten-free alternatives.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken Bites?
Cooking chicken bites to perfection can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll have juicy pieces every time:
- First, try to cut the chicken into uniform sizes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Heat the skillet to medium-high, so your chicken gets a nice sear without becoming dry.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary, so they brown nicely instead of steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer if you have one; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Following these tips will keep your chicken juicy and flavorful, making your garlic butter chicken bites a hit!
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
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 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 pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and the cooking process takes about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Cook the Chicken Bites:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce for Chicken:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce, mixing well. Turn off the heat and keep it warm.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce:
In another saucepan or a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If you like a bit of heat, this is when you can stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss it to coat the pasta evenly. Make sure every piece of pasta is creamy and delicious!
6. Serve:
To serve, plate the creamy Parmesan pasta on individual dishes and generously top each serving with the garlic butter chicken bites. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to make it look even more appetizing. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
This flavorful, comforting dish combines juicy garlic butter chicken bites with luscious creamy Parmesan pasta—a perfect meal for any night!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw chicken overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost function on your microwave for a quicker option. Once thawed, pat it dry with paper towels before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
What Pasta Can I Substitute?
You can use any pasta you have on hand! Fettuccine and linguine are great choices, but penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta will work just as well. For a low-carb option, consider zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce in advance. Just let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove and add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little splash of cream or reserved pasta water to keep it creamy.
