These tender garlic butter chicken bites are juicy and full of flavor, paired perfectly with bright green asparagus. It’s a quick and easy meal that feels fancy!
Who doesn’t love the smell of garlic sizzling? I mean, it makes your kitchen smell like a little restaurant! I often serve this with rice or pasta to soak up that delicious garlic butter.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness. If you have thighs, they work too, adding a bit more flavor. Alternatively, you can use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus brings a nice crunch and color. If it’s not in season, you can substitute with green beans or snap peas for a similar texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could use a mix of olive oil and a touch of butter, or even a vegan butter substitute.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-minced garlic in a jar will work, but I recommend fresh for the best taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Garlic can easily burn and turn bitter, which is something you want to avoid. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep a close eye on the heat. Start with medium heat and adjust if it seems to cook too fast.
- Once your butter has melted, add the garlic and stir it frequently. This helps it cook evenly.
- Cook the garlic for only 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and lightly golden, then immediately add the asparagus to stop it from cooking further.
Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Asparagus:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
For the Flavor:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes to cook, so you can enjoy it on the table in about 30-35 minutes overall. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by rinsing and trimming the asparagus. Set it aside. Next, pat the bite-sized chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance their flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken bites in a single layer. Cook them until they are golden brown on each side and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Flavor the Butter:
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden—just be careful not to burn it!
4. Sauté the Asparagus:
Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet. Toss the spears in the garlic butter and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Combine Chicken and Asparagus:
Return your cooked chicken bites to the skillet with the asparagus. Toss everything together gently so the chicken is well-coated in that lovely garlic butter sauce and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for garnish. Serve the dish warm alongside lemon wedges for drizzling over everything for that extra fresh flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in while it’s hot, and consider serving it with a side of steamed rice, pasta, or even some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. The best way to do this is by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thawing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry with a paper towel before seasoning to avoid extra moisture.
Can I Substitute the Asparagus?
Absolutely! If asparagus isn’t available, you can swap it out with green beans, snap peas, or even broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as different vegetables may take longer or shorter to cook.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes! You can double the ingredients easily to serve more people. Just ensure you have a sufficiently large skillet to avoid overcrowding, or cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken gets nicely browned.