There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal, especially when it’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan is the ultimate dinner recipe that checks all the boxes: tender chicken, a luscious sauce, and the perfect blend of garlic and Parmesan cheese. This dish will make you feel like a culinary pro without the stress of complicated cooking.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Imagine succulent chicken bites coated in a garlic butter glaze, served over a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or treating yourself, this recipe is bound to impress.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy and delicious recipe:
For the Chicken Bites:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless | 1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces) |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Butter, unsalted | 4 tablespoons |
Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
Parsley, fresh (for garnish) | As needed |
For the Pasta and Sauce:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Fettuccine (or any preferred pasta) | 12 oz |
Butter, unsalted | 2 tablespoons |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Heavy cream | 1 cup |
Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 cup |
Chicken broth | ½ cup |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Extra garlic butter | Optional, for drizzling |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until it’s tender but firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
4. Prepare the Parmesan Sauce
In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce, tossing to ensure every strand is coated in creamy goodness.
6. Assemble and Garnish
Plate the pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, drizzle with extra garlic butter for an added layer of flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese make all the difference in flavor.
- Cook Chicken in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken gets a nice sear.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning to your preference for a perfectly balanced dish.
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich and Creamy: The Parmesan sauce is smooth and indulgent, making it the perfect companion to the garlicky chicken bites.
- Customizable: Swap out the pasta type or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to suit your taste.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe comes together in under an hour.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 650 |
Total Fat | 40g |
Saturated Fat | 20g |
Cholesterol | 150mg |
Sodium | 500mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
Protein | 40g |
Serving Suggestions
- Add a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Pair with Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Include Vegetables: Add roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for a complete meal.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan
1. Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or tenderloins. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience of comfort and indulgence. The combination of tender chicken, garlicky butter, and rich Parmesan sauce is sure to become a favorite in your home. Now it’s your turn to bring this dish to life! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable meal.
For more inspiring recipes and cooking tips, visit this collection of easy dinner ideas. Happy cooking!
PrintCreamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan: A Comfort Food Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food—a perfect marriage of tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and a creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s a quick, indulgent meal that will satisfy your cravings and impress at the dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz fettuccine (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Chicken Bites:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. - Prepare the Parmesan Sauce:
In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce, tossing to ensure every strand is coated evenly. - Assemble the Dish:
Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even browning.
- For extra flavor, drizzle some additional garlic butter over the finished dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American