Looking for a dinner that’s quick, packed with flavor, and comes together in just one pan? These Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites are about to become your new weeknight obsession! Featuring tender, seasoned chicken pieces, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant bell peppers all bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, this dish is incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect for a busy evening when you crave something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a skillet meal that delivers big on taste and minimal on cleanup? This recipe is a hero in my kitchen. The chicken thighs cook up incredibly tender and juicy, while the mushrooms absorb all that rich, garlicky butter. The addition of shallots and bell peppers adds a lovely sweetness and crunch, making every bite a delight. It’s wonderfully versatile, comes together in under 30 minutes, and the aroma alone will have your family racing to the dinner table. This is comfort food that feels gourmet, without the gourmet effort!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible chicken bites:
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 1 lb (500g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch | 2cm pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder and onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 8 oz (250g) sliced brown mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons (2 oz | 60g) butter
- 1 brown shallot, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper (capsicum), seeded and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly if using breasts to avoid drying them out.
- Mushrooms: Brown mushrooms (cremini) offer a great earthy flavor, but white button mushrooms or a mix of wild mushrooms would also work beautifully.
- Bell Pepper: Any color bell pepper will work here, so feel free to use red or yellow for a different look and a sweeter flavor.
- Shallot: If you don’t have a shallot, a quarter of a small yellow onion, finely diced, can be used as a substitute.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright finish, but if you only have dried, use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Fresh thyme or oregano could also be a nice addition.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning blend to your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat!
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up these delicious Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure every piece is coated. Sear the chicken all over until beautifully browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear. Once cooked, transfer the browned chicken to a plate, set it aside, and cover loosely to keep it warm.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the same pan, along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced brown mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are just beginning to brown and soften, about 3-4 minutes. They will release their moisture and then start to caramelize.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan with the mushrooms. Let it melt, then add the chopped shallots and bell peppers. Sauté until they are just soft and fragrant, which should take about 3 minutes. Finally, add the minced garlic and sauté for only about 30 seconds, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, along with any juices that may have collected on the plate while it was resting. Stir everything through thoroughly, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in all the delicious pan juices and butter sauce. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, just to warm the chicken through and allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley right before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Hot Pan for Searing: Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to get a good sear and lock in juices.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if your pan isn’t large enough to avoid steaming instead of searing. This ensures maximum flavor.
- Fresh Garlic & Herbs: While dried seasonings are used in the rub, using fresh minced garlic and fresh parsley at the end truly elevates the dish.
- Rest the Chicken: Even for small pieces, letting the chicken rest briefly after cooking helps keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Simple Side: Serve them over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Noodle Dish: Toss them with your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple side salad for a lighter meal.
- Green Veggies: A side of steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans would complement the dish perfectly.
- For other comforting and easy chicken dinners, consider serving these alongside our Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole or our hearty Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These chicken bites make for delicious leftovers, perfect for a quick lunch the next day.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions. Add a tiny splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the vegetables (especially bell peppers) might soften a bit upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the flavor and ease of this skillet chicken dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic chicken recipes:
- For a light yet satisfying chicken option, check out A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight.
- If you’re a fan of feeding a crowd with minimal effort, our Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a true lifesaver.
- And for another go-to cozy chicken dinner that’s always a hit, don’t miss These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites are a testament to how quickly you can create a truly flavorful and satisfying meal with just a few simple steps and one pan. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you want something homemade and delicious without compromising on taste or quality. Give it a try, and I bet it will quickly become a cherished part of your weeknight rotation!
I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Feel free to share your thoughts and any delicious variations in the comments below. And for more easy, amazing recipes, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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