Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Asparagus Recipe

There’s something irresistible about the smell of garlic butter sizzling in a skillet—it fills the whole kitchen with cozy, mouthwatering warmth. Add tender, juicy chicken bites and crisp-tender asparagus to the mix, and you’ve got a one-pan dinner that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a busy Tuesday when I needed something fast, tasty, and low on cleanup. What started as a “use what’s in the fridge” moment has quickly become a go-to meal in our household. It’s quick, packed with protein and veggies, and the garlicky sauce is so good, you’ll want to mop it up with a piece of crusty bread.

Ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner? Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

This simple skillet recipe is about to earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. It's hearty, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes.

It’s fast and fuss-free. You can have this entire dish ready in just 25 minutes, start to finish. That includes prep time! Perfect for when you're short on time but still want a home-cooked meal.

One pan = minimal cleanup. This recipe is made entirely in one large skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward. A dream come true for anyone who hates post-dinner cleanup.

It’s healthy and satisfying. With lean chicken breast and vibrant asparagus, this recipe is naturally low in carbs and packed with protein and fiber. It’s a feel-good meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Great for meal prep. These chicken bites reheat beautifully, making them perfect for packing up into lunch containers or storing for easy dinners throughout the week.

Whether you're feeding a family or just want to treat yourself to a delicious solo dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus dish so craveable is its simplicity. With a short list of everyday ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can coax out of such humble staples.

Chicken breast is the star of this recipe. I like using boneless, skinless breasts cut into bite-sized chunks—they cook quickly and soak up all that garlicky, buttery goodness. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture.

Asparagus adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness. I like to trim the woody ends and cut the spears into 2-inch pieces so they cook evenly and quickly. Look for stalks that are firm and bright green with tightly closed tips for the best results.

Garlic plays a starring role here, infusing the butter with bold, aromatic flavor. Don’t be shy—freshly minced garlic is essential. I typically use 4 cloves, but you can adjust based on your personal preference.

Butter creates the luxurious base of the sauce. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the final dish. The butter not only adds richness but also helps brown the chicken and coats the asparagus beautifully.

A splash of chicken broth or lemon juice at the end deglazes the pan and brings a subtle brightness to balance the richness of the butter. This optional step is small but mighty in rounding out the flavors.

As far as tools go, all you need is a large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel for a good sear), a sharp knife, and a spatula. Simple gear, big flavor payoff.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

Cooking this dish is just as satisfying as eating it—it comes together quickly and effortlessly in one pan.

Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika if you'd like a little color and warmth. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and melt the butter. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. If your asparagus is on the thicker side, you might need another minute or two. Stir frequently so it cooks evenly and picks up that garlicky flavor.

Return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together. Add a splash of chicken broth or a squeeze of lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This little trick adds a ton of depth to the sauce.

Let everything simmer together for a minute or two to let the flavors meld. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. That’s it!

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25 minutes, including prep. The chicken stays juicy, the asparagus stays crisp, and the garlicky butter sauce ties it all together into one dreamy dinner.

Storage Options

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

For the fridge, allow the chicken and asparagus to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist.

To freeze, place cooled chicken and asparagus in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’s best used within 2 months. Note that asparagus may lose some of its crispness after freezing, but the flavor remains great.

When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a touch of butter or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

If you’re meal prepping, portion into individual containers with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a balanced, ready-to-go lunch.

Variations and Substitutions

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus recipe is endlessly flexible—don’t be afraid to make it your own.

If asparagus isn’t in season, swap in other quick-cooking veggies like green beans, broccoli florets, or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to suit the vegetable.

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. It gives the sauce a gentle heat that balances the richness beautifully.

Want to make it dairy-free? Use ghee or a good-quality plant-based butter instead of regular butter. The garlic still shines, and you get that same luscious texture.

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil just before serving to give it an extra pop of flavor.

Print