Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

If you’re anything like me, dinner time can sometimes feel like a race against the clock. Between work, errands, and the never-ending pile of laundry (seriously, how does it grow so fast?), I’m always on the lookout for meals that are fast, delicious, and leave me with minimal cleanup. That’s why I’m absolutely obsessed with this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that checks all the boxes: high in protein, low in carbs, big on flavor, and ready in just 20 minutes.

Let’s talk about what makes this dish a total keeper. First, we’re working with tender, juicy chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. That means every single bite gets perfectly golden and cooked through without drying out. Then we add a rich garlic butter sauce—because let’s be honest, garlic butter makes everything better. And finally, the asparagus adds that crisp-tender freshness that keeps the dish light, vibrant, and wholesome.

This recipe is one I’ve made countless times on busy weeknights when I don’t want to order takeout but also don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also perfect for meal prepping since it reheats beautifully. And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re eating low-carb, trying to sneak in more veggies, or just want something truly delicious with minimal effort, this is one recipe you’re going to want to bookmark.

Alright, let’s get cooking!

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

• Juice of half a lemon (optional)

STEP 1: SEASON YOUR CHICKEN

Before anything hits the pan, we’re going to season the chicken. Place your bite-sized chicken pieces into a bowl and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and paprika. The paprika adds a subtle warmth and a beautiful golden hue when it sears—don’t skip it! Give everything a good toss so each piece is evenly coated.

STEP 2: SEAR THE CHICKEN

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—you want that nice golden-brown sear. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to build that beautiful crust, then stir occasionally for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

When they’re done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You’ll be returning it to the pan shortly, so don’t wander too far.

STEP 3: BUILD THAT GARLIC BUTTER BASE

Now it’s time to create that dreamy garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet (yes, no extra dishes!), melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Don’t walk away here—garlic can burn quickly and we want it golden and aromatic, not bitter.

STEP 4: COOK THE ASPARAGUS

Add your trimmed and chopped asparagus directly into that garlicky butter. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, just until it turns bright green and becomes tender-crisp. I like my asparagus with a little bit of bite still left, but if you prefer it softer, you can cook it a minute or two longer. If your asparagus stalks are on the thicker side, you can blanch them briefly before sautéing to make sure they cook evenly.

Alright, now that we’ve got our chicken beautifully browned and our asparagus perfectly tender-crisp, it’s time to finish off this one-pan wonder. This is where the magic really happens—bringing everything together in that rich, garlicky butter sauce.

If you’ve made it this far, you already know this recipe is not just simple but also packed with bold flavors. And don’t worry if this is your first time cooking something like this—these next few steps are just as easy, and I’ve got a few helpful tips to make it even better.

Let’s keep going and wrap up this delicious, 20-minute dinner!

STEP 5: COMBINE CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS

Once your asparagus is cooked to your liking, it’s time to bring the chicken back into the skillet. Add the cooked chicken pieces into the pan with the asparagus and stir everything together so it’s evenly coated in that luscious garlic butter. Let it all warm through for about 1-2 minutes, and that’s it!

At this point, your kitchen probably smells amazing. The garlic, butter, and paprika blend together so well and coat every single piece of chicken and asparagus with mouthwatering flavor. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need a long ingredient list to be impressive.

STEP 6: FINISH WITH LEMON AND HERBS (OPTIONAL BUT DELICIOUS)

Right before serving, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the top for a fresh, bright finish. The lemon helps balance out the richness of the butter and gives everything a little pop. I also like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for some color and an herby touch.

Totally optional, but highly recommended if you’ve got a lemon and some parsley lying around!

TIPS TO GET IT JUST RIGHT

Here are a few quick tips that I’ve learned from making this dish more times than I can count:

• Don’t overcook the chicken. Because the pieces are small, they cook quickly. Watch them closely so they stay juicy and tender.

• Keep the pan hot—but not too hot. Medium-high heat is your friend here. It helps develop that golden sear without burning the butter or garlic.

• Cut the asparagus evenly. Uniform pieces will cook more evenly. If your asparagus is thick, you can slice it in half lengthwise or blanch it first.

• Add a little heat. If you like a bit of spice, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. It adds a nice little kick without overpowering the dish.

• Double the garlic butter sauce. If you’re serving this over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice, consider making a little extra sauce to drizzle on top. It’s totally worth it.

SERVING IDEAS

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus dish is great on its own, especially if you’re going for something low-carb. But it’s also super versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over white or brown rice for a filling meal

• On top of mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce

• With quinoa or couscous for a slightly nutty, healthy twist

• Alongside a crisp salad if you’re keeping things light

• Tucked into a wrap or pita for a quick lunch the next day

The leftovers make a great next-day meal, so don’t be afraid to make a double batch!