Hey y’all! Craving a satisfying dinner that’s packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and hits all the right notes? These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus are tender, juicy, and drenched in a savory garlic butter sauce that’s totally irresistible. Perfect for quick weeknights, meal prep, or even impressing friends at a casual dinner party—they’re the definition of effortless deliciousness. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Fast & Fuss-Free: Ready from fridge to table in just 25 minutes for easy weeknight meals.
- Packed with Flavor: Garlic butter sauce infuses each Chicken bite and asparagus spear with rich, mouthwatering taste.
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Naturally healthy and great for a variety of dietary needs.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy with family and friends.
- Versatile Main or Side: Serve as a stellar entree or a standout side dish with other favorites.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 bunch (about 1 lb/450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)
- Fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Asparagus
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
- Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed for even browning).
- Sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Step 3: Sauté the Asparagus
- Add asparagus to the same skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.
- If the pan is dry, splash in 2 tablespoons chicken broth or wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Push asparagus to the side of the skillet. Melt in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and add minced garlic; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken bites to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the garlic butter for 1 minute.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For super juicy chicken, do not overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary for perfect caramelization.
- Use thin asparagus stalks for the best tender, crisp texture.
- An instant-read thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly at 165°F (74°C).
Variations
- Lemon Garlic Twist: Add extra lemon zest and juice for a bold citrus kick.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Cheesy Finish: Top the skillet with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Required Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Storage Instructions
- Cool leftovers to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out.
- Not recommended for freezing, as asparagus may lose texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, or fluffy quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted potatoes for a satisfying dinner spread.
- Add a side of warm, crusty bread to mop up that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Pro Tips
- Marinate the chicken in seasoning for 15-30 minutes for even more flavor and tenderness.
- Increase the garlic for a more pungent aromatic sauce if you’re a garlic lover!
- Deglaze the pan for maximum flavor; those browned bits pack tons of savory goodness.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—they’ll be extra juicy and flavorful.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the butter for your favorite dairy-free alternative or use more olive oil.
How do I tell when the chicken is cooked through?
Check that the chicken is no longer pink inside and registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
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1Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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2Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove asparagus and set aside.
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3Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add the chicken bites and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
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4Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
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5Return the chicken and asparagus to the skillet. Toss everything together in the garlic butter sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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6Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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