If you’re looking for a dinner that’s rich, flavorful, and comes together in just about 30 minutes, you’re in for a treat with Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce. Tender chicken bites are coated in a golden, cheesy crust before being tossed in a silky, herb-flecked sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. This dish is the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to serve for weeknights, date nights, or any time you crave something special but quick. I promise, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one brings something essential to the table, building layers of flavor, texture, and that signature creamy finish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and a satisfying bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty crust that helps the chicken get lovely golden edges.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the chicken bites their crisp texture and helps the cheese adhere.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and gorgeous color to the coating.
- Garlic powder: Infuses every bite with that extra layer of garlicky goodness.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and adds complexity to the crust.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
- Unsalted butter: Delivers an indulgent, creamy flavor, especially when paired with garlic.
- Minced garlic: The aromatic anchor of both the bites and the sauce; fresh garlic makes all the difference here.
- Fresh parsley: A final burst of color and bright, herbaceous flavor.
- Heavy cream: Forms the decadent base of the creamy herb sauce.
- Cream cheese: Adds body and tang, making the sauce swoon-worthy.
- Italian seasoning: Lends classic herbed notes to tie the whole dish together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For last-minute adjustments and perfectly balanced flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl with the flour, grated Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This quick, simple coating is what gives every bite that signature crisp-cheesy crust. Don’t be shy about mixing—make sure every piece is well-covered, as this is where so much of the flavor begins.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites
Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your coated chicken in a single layer. Let them sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes per side: you’re looking for a golden, gently crispy exterior and fully-cooked, juicy insides. Once done, transfer the chicken bites to a plate and set them aside—they’ll join the sauce soon!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add your butter to the same skillet. As it melts, toss in your minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant (about 30 seconds)—this is where the kitchen truly starts to smell amazing. Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning, letting everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes while you whisk until smooth and thickened. A little patience here pays off for ultimate, creamy results.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently slide your golden chicken bites back into the skillet with the creamy herb sauce. Toss to coat every piece so none are left out of the flavor party. Finish with a generous sprinkle of that chopped fresh parsley—this not only brightens the whole dish, but also adds a beautiful pop of green.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
This is your chance for a final taste and seasoning adjustment. Add a bit more salt or pepper if you’d like. Serve the Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce hot, right from the skillet, for the most satisfying experience.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce
Garnishes
A simple flourish of fresh parsley brings color and freshness. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan or some freshly cracked black pepper on top. If you want a pop of heat, a few red pepper flakes work beautifully. Let your eyes be as pleased as your tastebuds!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or pillowy mashed potatoes—each soaks up that creamy herb sauce in their own wonderful way. A crisp green salad or some roasted veggies also make for a fantastic, balanced meal. And don’t forget a warm, crusty bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, skewer the chicken bites with cocktail sticks and arrange them on a platter with a bowl of extra creamy herb sauce for dipping. Or, serve them family-style in a big, beautiful skillet right at the center of your table for a cozy, communal feel. You can even pile them into a sandwich or over a toasted baguette for a decadent open-faced treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days and make an easy lunch for the next day!
Freezing
While the sauce has dairy, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Let everything cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the chicken bites and sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. If it thickens too much, add a splash of cream or milk to restore its silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce even juicier and a bit richer. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How can I lighten up the sauce?
If you want a lighter version, simply substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, just a tad less indulgent.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No worries—you can leave the cream cheese out, or substitute with a spoonful of sour cream for a tangy, creamy touch.
Can I make Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or even a bit of cornstarch. You’ll still get that crave-worthy crust and creamy texture.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken moist. Microwaving can work, but use lower power and stir halfway through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that overdelivers on both flavor and comfort, you can’t go wrong with Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce. I truly hope this becomes a dinner favorite in your home—it’s always a hit at mine! Give it a try, and let yourself savor every luxurious, garlicky, creamy bite.
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Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress. Served with a creamy herb sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with flour, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden.
- Make the Creamy Herb Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, cream cheese, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the chicken in the sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
