Who doesn’t love crispy, tender chicken bites coated in rich, buttery garlic goodness? And when you dip those heavenly bites into a creamy, flavorful herb sauce? Well, that’s just next-level deliciousness. These Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce are the ultimate combination of savory, creamy, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or need an appetizer to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to hit all the right notes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about indulging in a meal that feels special yet is super easy to whip up. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion – from a cozy dinner at home to a fun party appetizer. It can be served on its own or as a side to pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken breasts or thighs are usually affordable, and the ingredients for the sauce are ones you likely already have in your pantry or fridge.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. Plus, it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again.
Customizable: You can tweak the herb sauce to your liking, using different herbs or adding a little spice. Want to go extra garlicky? Add more cloves. Want it creamier? A bit more heavy cream will do the trick!
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s hard to resist these chicken bites, especially with that creamy herb sauce for dipping. The combination of flavors is a guaranteed hit with anyone at your table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible chicken bites and creamy herb sauce:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. They cook quickly and stay tender, making them perfect for this dish.
Butter: You’ll need butter for sautéing the chicken and for the garlic butter sauce. It adds richness and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must. It’s the secret to that mouthwatering garlic butter flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: A generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter.
Heavy Cream: This is the base for the creamy herb sauce. It makes the sauce rich and velvety.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme are what bring the creamy sauce to life with aromatic, savory notes.
Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken for a crispy, golden exterior.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning – simple but essential.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering dish:
Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they cook up nice and crispy. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the butter, creating a rich, cheesy sauce.
Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat each piece with the savory, garlicky goodness. Let the chicken simmer for another 2-3 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
Prepare the Creamy Herb Sauce: In a separate small saucepan, heat a bit of butter and stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then add the fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, etc.). Stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the garlic butter Parmesan chicken bites and drizzle with the creamy herb sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if you like. Serve warm and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce
These chicken bites are perfect on their own, but here are some great ideas for serving them:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up that delicious creamy herb sauce.
- Perfect with a side of garlic bread to complete the comforting meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you like your sauce extra creamy, you can add a bit more heavy cream or even a splash of chicken broth for added richness.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken, or it might become dry. It should be tender and juicy on the inside with a golden, crispy exterior.
FAQ’s
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness to the dish. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly. - Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan will give you the best flavor and texture, but pre-grated cheese can work in a pinch. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the creamy herb sauce ahead of time. Just reheat them together when you’re ready to serve. - What other herbs can I use in the creamy sauce?
You can try basil, rosemary, or even oregano for a different flavor profile. Get creative with the herbs! - Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat. - Can I use low-fat cream in the sauce?
Yes, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream. - What should I do if my creamy sauce is too thick?
Simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. - How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for fully cooked chicken. - Can I make this dish in the oven instead of on the stove?
Yes, you can bake the chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, then toss them in the garlic butter sauce. - Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for this dish to get the crispy texture, but you can use thawed frozen chicken if needed.
Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce are a true comfort food delight. They’re bursting with flavor, perfectly crispy, and so satisfying, especially when paired with that creamy herb sauce. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or the main event, they’re sure to impress. So, grab your skillet, get cooking, and enjoy this tasty dish that’s sure to become a favorite!
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Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce are tender chicken pieces coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, served with a creamy, flavorful herb sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- For the creamy herb sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the chicken back in. Toss the chicken in the garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is coated.
- For the creamy herb sauce, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Serve the garlic butter Parmesan chicken bites with the creamy herb sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for a juicier bite if preferred.
- Adjust the level of garlic and herbs in the creamy sauce to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg