Name: Quick And Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil – For searing the chicken; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 5 garlic cloves, minced – Or more if you love garlic!; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For color and flavor; 1 tsp lemon juice – Optional, but adds a bright finishing touch; 1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that’s both satisfying and healthy? Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus is the perfect one-pan wonder. It’s juicy, tender chicken seared to golden perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with crisp, vibrant asparagus for a balanced and mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping a simple lunch for yourself, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen—without the stress or time commitment.

Why You’ll Love garlic butter chicken

This dish checks all the boxes for what we want in a weeknight meal:

Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes or less, start to finish.
One-pan recipe – Fewer dishes to wash, more time to relax.
Packed with flavor – Garlic butter and seasoning blend give the chicken incredible depth.
Healthy and low carb – Protein-rich, gluten-free, and naturally low in carbohydrates.
Versatile – Serve it over rice, cauliflower mash, or even in lettuce wraps.

This recipe is also a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the bite-sized chicken, and adults will appreciate the balance of richness and freshness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus:

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil – For searing the chicken

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves, minced – Or more if you love garlic!
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For color and flavor
1 tsp lemon juice – Optional, but adds a bright finishing touch

For the Asparagus:

1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

A. Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat each piece thoroughly.

Let the chicken sit for about 5–10 minutes while you prepare the asparagus. This gives the seasonings time to absorb into the meat for even more flavor.

B. Cook the Asparagus

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and just tender-crisp. You don’t want to overcook it—retaining a bit of crunch helps balance the buttery richness of the dish.

Transfer the asparagus to a plate and set aside.

C. Sear the Chicken Bites

In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan). Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown is cooked through. The outside should be slightly crisp, while the inside remains juicy and tender.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside with the asparagus.

D. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant (careful not to burn it). Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley.

E Combine and Finish

Return the chicken and asparagus to the pan. Toss to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce and heat through for 1–2 more minutes.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Flavor Tips & Cooking Hacks

Use chicken thighs for juicier bites. While breasts are leaner, thighs bring extra flavor and tenderness.
Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine after searing the chicken to lift up all those delicious browned bits before adding the butter.
Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you love a little heat.
Add a splash of cream for a richer garlic butter sauce—perfect if you’re pairing it with mashed potatoes or pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus is filling enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash – For a comforting, hearty meal
Steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous – Soak up all that buttery garlic goodness
Zoodles or spaghetti squash – Low-carb and light
Toasted bread or garlic toast – For mopping up every drop of sauce
Lettuce cups – For a fresh and crunchy low-carb wrap

Looking for a meal prep option? Portion it into containers with your favorite grains and greens for a week’s worth of delicious lunches.

Storage and Reheating

This dish stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Store:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:

You can freeze cooked chicken bites (without asparagus) for up to 2 months. Asparagus tends to get mushy when thawed, so it’s best to cook it fresh when serving from frozen.

Reheat:

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQ SECTION

Can I use frozen asparagus?

Yes, but fresh is recommended for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry first to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it ideal for keto or low-carb diets.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative or olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

What’s the best type of pan to use?

A heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel gives the best sear and evenly distributes heat for that perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely. You can cook the chicken bites and garlic butter sauce ahead of time, then quickly sauté the asparagus fresh before serving for optimal texture.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus is the ultimate quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and one skillet, you get juicy chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and a buttery garlic sauce that’s downright addictive.

Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something satisfying yet healthy, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make a delicious, wholesome meal.