Dinner

Butter Chicken Bites: Easy One-Pan Recipe

ByRafael Mansero February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

Introduction

Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy one-pan dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken pieces cooked in a buttery, garlicky sauce come together quickly with simple ingredients. This recipe is great served on its own or with your favorite sides.

The image shows many pieces of browned chicken cooked in a pan. The chicken chunks are golden with crispy edges and seasoned with herbs and spices. Small green bits of chopped parsley are sprinkled evenly over the chicken pieces, adding bright color contrast. The surface holding the food is inside a black pan with a textured interior. The close-up shot focuses on the juicy texture and crispiness of the chicken. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the warm, rich brown and pale golden colors of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20 oz (1 ¼ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
Step 2: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle the flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper over them. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 3: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. When the oil is hot and the butter has melted, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
Step 4: Cook the chicken without moving it for about 3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip the pieces and cook for another 2 minutes until browned on the other side.
Step 5: Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional minute until the chicken is cooked through and fragrant.
Step 6: Serve the butter chicken bites immediately while hot, either on their own or paired with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in yogurt and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use ghee instead of butter for a richer taste and higher cooking temperature.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes for a zesty or spicy twist.
Fresh herbs like cilantro can be swapped for parsley to change the flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover butter chicken bites 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. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.

How to Serve

The image shows many small pieces of cooked chicken in a black pan, each piece golden brown with a crispy texture and some charred spots. The chicken is sprinkled with chopped green herbs, adding a fresh color contrast. A wooden spatula is partially visible on the right side, resting among the chicken pieces, showing the glossy, slightly oily surface of the pan. The overall look is warm and appetizing with a close-up focus on the chicken's texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute. They will add more moisture and flavor but may require slightly longer cooking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe contains all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the chicken.