These garlic butter chicken bites are a real treat! Juicy chicken pieces cooked in rich garlic butter, paired with creamy parmesan pasta. Yummy!
You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip this up—perfect for a weeknight dinner. I always make extra pasta; it’s too good to resist! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For juicy bites, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay tender when cooked. If you have chicken breast, that’s fine too! For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or chickpeas instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt in your dish. If you’re looking for a healthier fat, consider using coconut oil or avocado oil for cooking the chicken.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and creaminess. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
Pasta: I love using fettuccine, but any pasta works great here! If you’re gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Zucchini noodles are also a fun alternative!
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken Bites?
Cooking chicken bites to perfection is key for flavor and texture. Follow these steps to avoid dry chicken:
- Cut chicken into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken; this gives a nice sear.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause steaming instead of browning. If cooking a lot, do it in batches.
Finally, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat without losing its juiciness!
What’s the Key to a Creamy Parmesan Sauce?
Making a smooth and creamy sauce is easier than you think! Here’s how:
- Start with low heat after adding the butter and garlic to prevent burning the garlic.
- Add the heavy cream gradually while stirring constantly. This helps to combine everything without lumps.
- Make sure to stir in the Parmesan gradually, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce.
If the sauce gets too thick, just add a bit of pasta water to loosen it up. Adjust seasonings to your preference for a delicious finish!
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
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken and then another 15-20 minutes making the creamy sauce and combining everything together. It’s a quick and delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken Bites:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Carefully add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce for Chicken:
Lower the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant—this should take about 1 minute, but be careful not to let it burn!
4. Combine Chicken and Butter Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently toss it in the garlic butter sauce, coating it well. Let it cook together for another 1-2 minutes before removing it from the heat.
5. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the Cheese:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to add some spice.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing well to coat every piece of pasta in that delicious sauce.
8. Serve:
Plate your creamy Parmesan pasta and generously top it off with the garlic butter chicken bites for a delightful meal. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh chopped parsley to add a splash of color!
9. Enjoy:
Dig in immediately and savor the flavors! This recipe serves about 3-4 people and pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
FAQ: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick method by submerging it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about an hour.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese. There are also dairy-free cheese alternatives available that melt well and can be used in place of Parmesan.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can easily incorporate vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas. Just sauté them in the skillet with the chicken or add them to the pasta in the last few minutes of cooking for a nutritious boost!
