These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The juicy chicken is seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, then cooked in butter, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese for an irresistible flavor. They can be served as an appetizer or added to salads, pastas, and more!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ⅛ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt

• 2 tsp minced garlic

• ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then add to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.

2. Add Butter and Garlic: Add the Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt to the skillet, allowing it to melt and coat the chicken. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss until the chicken is well-coated.

4. Serve: Serve the chicken bites immediately. These are perfect for appetizers or as a topping for salads or pasta.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 154 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 1g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 6g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 111mg

• Sodium: 266mg

• Potassium: 285mg

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 166 IU

• Vitamin C: 2mg

• Calcium: 63mg

• Iron: 1mg

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are a great quick meal option or snack and pair well with your favorite dipping sauces or as a part of a larger dish!

Why These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Work

Quick and Easy

This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something flavorful in a hurry. With just boneless, skinless chicken thighs, butter, garlic, and Parmesan, you can have a meal ready in less than 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy days.

Juicy Chicken

Using boneless skinless chicken thighs ensures that the chicken stays juicy and tender. The thighs are less prone to drying out compared to chicken breasts, making them perfect for quick cooking and maximum flavor. The garlic powder, salt, and pepper seasoning help to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.

Buttery, Garlic-Parmesan Coating

The combination of butter and minced garlic creates a rich, savory sauce that coats the chicken, making every bite delicious. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor that makes the dish more indulgent. The chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the butter and cheese.

Versatility

These chicken bites are incredibly versatile. You can serve them on their own as a snack or appetizer, or you can add them to salads, pastas, or grain bowls for a complete meal. You can also pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or marinara, for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

1. Cook the Chicken

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. The pieces should be golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside.

2. Add Butter and Garlic

Once the chicken is cooked, add Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt and coat the chicken. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. This will infuse the chicken with that rich, garlicky flavor.

3. Add Parmesan Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the melted cheese and the garlic butter. The Parmesan will melt slightly, adding a creamy, cheesy coating to the chicken.

4. Serve

Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites immediately. These are perfect for an appetizer, snack, or as a topping for salads or pasta dishes. You can pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are delicious on their own, but here are some great options to serve them with for a complete meal:

1. Salad: Serve the chicken bites on top of a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing. The coolness of the salad balances the richness of the chicken.

2. Pasta: Toss the chicken bites with spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine, along with a creamy alfredo sauce or simple olive oil and garlic sauce. This creates a hearty and satisfying meal.

3. Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken bites over steamed rice or quinoa for a light, healthy meal. The chicken pairs wonderfully with the fluffy texture of these grains.

4. Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or marinara sauce. You can also pair them with a tangy balsamic glaze for an added layer of flavor.

Health Considerations

While Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are a delicious and protein-packed meal, they are also fairly rich due to the butter and cheese. To make the dish lighter, you can use olive oil instead of butter and reduce the amount of cheese used. Opting for boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs can also reduce the fat content, though it may sacrifice some juiciness.

The dish is a great source of protein and iron, with the chicken providing these nutrients. The Parmesan cheese adds calcium, and the garlic provides antioxidants with potential heart health benefits. To make it even healthier, consider serving with a side of vegetables or a light salad.

Conclusion

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and simplicity. With tender chicken, a rich, garlicky butter sauce, and the savory kick of Parmesan, these bites are sure to be a hit whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, topping them on a salad, or adding them to pasta. They’re quick to prepare, customizable, and versatile, making them ideal for any occasion. Pair them with your favorite side, and you have a meal that’s both satisfying and full of bold flavors!