Garlic Herb Chicken Bites in White Wine Pan Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken Bites recipe features tender, flavorful chicken cubes seared to golden perfection and finished in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs and white wine. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt to taste
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- Fresh lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the onion powder, basil, oregano, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder in a small bowl and set aside. Measure out the remaining ingredients to prepare for cooking.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and gently tenderize each side with a meat mallet to help achieve tender results.
- Step 3: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat fully dry with paper towels. This ensures a golden sear. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt (about 1¼ teaspoons or to taste), then toss with the seasoning mixture to coat well.
- Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken cubes in batches, turning to brown on all sides, for approximately 5 minutes total, until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 5: Turn off the heat and add the white wine, chicken broth, and seasoned salt to the skillet. Return heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan, incorporating the browned bits into the sauce. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half and the alcohol smell dissipates, about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 6: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the butter, minced garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs. Simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Step 7: Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add the minced parsley and toss to combine. Let everything heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 8: Squeeze fresh lemon slices over the chicken bites before serving. These can be enjoyed with toothpicks, mashed potatoes, or roasted green beans for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Patting the chicken dry before searing is essential for getting a crisp, golden crust.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with extra chicken broth and a splash of white grape juice or apple cider vinegar.
- For added heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce when adding the garlic.
- Using fresh herbs like thyme and parsley really brightens the dish and adds depth of flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve tenderness and avoid drying out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well for quick meals.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
What type of white wine is best for this recipe?
Choose a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines, as they will alter the flavor of the sauce.
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Garlic Herb Chicken Bites in White Wine Pan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These flavorful Chicken Bites are tender, perfectly seasoned chicken cubes seared to a golden brown and simmered in a rich garlic thyme white wine sauce. Served with a fresh squeeze of lemon, this dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main course alongside mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
Chicken and Cooking
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt to taste (up to 1 ¼ teaspoons used)
Sauce
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Garnish
- Fresh lemon slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning and ingredients: Combine the onion powder, basil, oregano, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder in a small bowl to make the seasoning mix. Measure out all other ingredients before you begin cooking to ensure a smooth process.
- Tenderize the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound both sides with a meat mallet to tenderize the meat for more even cooking and tenderness.
- Cut and season the chicken: Cut the tenderized chicken into 1-inch cubes. Pat the pieces completely dry with paper towels to ensure a golden sear. Sprinkle the chicken with salt to taste and the prepared seasoning mix, tossing to coat evenly.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the chicken cubes on all sides for about 5 minutes total or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the skillet and reduce sauce: Turn off the skillet heat, then add the white wine, chicken broth, and seasoned salt. Turn heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape the skillet bottom, incorporating the brown fond into the liquid for added flavor. Let this simmer until reduced by half and the alcohol smell dissipates, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add aromatics and finish sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the butter, minced garlic, and thyme sprigs. Let the sauce gently simmer for 1-2 minutes to infuse garlic and thyme flavors.
- Return chicken to skillet: Add the seared chicken back to the skillet along with any juices collected on the plate. Stir in the minced parsley and toss gently to combine. Allow the dish to heat through for 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon slices over the chicken bites before serving. These are great served with toothpicks as appetizers or alongside mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before searing is key to getting a golden, crispy crust.
- Make sure the white wine is fully reduced to cook off the alcohol, leaving a smooth flavor.
- Fresh thyme and parsley brighten the sauce, but you can substitute dried herbs in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon each dried).
- If not consuming alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of additional chicken broth mixed with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
- Adjust salt levels according to your preference and dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken bites, seared chicken, garlic thyme chicken, white wine chicken, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, appetizer chicken

