This tasty dish features juicy chicken bites cooked in rich garlic butter, paired perfectly with tender asparagus. It’s a simple meal that’s full of flavor!
Cooking this dish is a breeze, and the best part? The garlic butter makes everything smell amazing! I love serving these bites with some rice—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which are slightly more flavorful and tender.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is key here. If it’s out of season, green beans or broccoli can be good substitutes. Just remember to adjust the cooking time depending on the veggie used!
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better. If you’re dairy-free, you can switch to olive oil or a plant-based butter spread.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use minced garlic from a jar if you’re in a hurry. Try to avoid garlic powder, as it doesn’t give the same punch.
Red Pepper Flakes: They add a nice kick if you enjoy spice! If you want less heat, you can leave them out or use a pinch of black pepper instead.
How Can You Perfectly Cook Garlic Without Burning It?
Garlic cooks quickly, and if left unattended, it can become bitter. To cook garlic perfectly:
- Keep the flame at medium or low when adding garlic to melted butter to avoid burning.
- Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until it’s fragrant but not browned.
- If you notice it starting to change color too fast, remove the skillet from the heat briefly!
This way, you keep all the delicious garlic flavor without any burnt bits ruining your dish.
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Asparagus:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes in total—5 minutes for prepping the ingredients and about 10 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delicious option for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Wait for it to melt completely. After the butter has melted, stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn, as it can turn bitter.
3. Cook the Asparagus:
Next, add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet. Season with a little salt and pepper. Cook the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes, turning it occasionally until it’s tender yet crisp and coated nicely with the garlic butter sauce. You want it to be bright green and have a bit of crunch still.
4. Combine Everything:
Once the asparagus is cooked, return the chicken bites to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the yummy garlic butter sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, bright flavor. Squeeze some lemon over the top right before eating for an extra zing!
Enjoy this quick, flavorful dish on its own or with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to let it sit in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw. Remember to pat it dry before adding it to the skillet!
Can I Substitute the Asparagus with Another Vegetable?
Yes! If asparagus isn’t available, you can use green beans, broccoli, or even zucchini. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may require slight adjustments in cooking time to reach the desired tenderness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry during reheating.
What Can I Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
This dish is versatile! You can serve it with rice, pasta, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables also makes for a great accompaniment!
