Quick Chicken Bites with Steamed Veggies

A fast, healthy weeknight favorite

These quick chicken bites with steamed veggies are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something healthy, flavorful, and fast. Tender bite-sized chicken is pan-seared in buttery garlic goodness, then paired with simple steamed vegetables for a balanced meal everyone loves. This recipe is great for meal prep, low-carb dinners, or when you need a protein-packed option without spending hours in the kitchen. With pantry spices and one skillet, dinner comes together in under 30 minutes—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and total comfort on a plate.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients List

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

For serving: Steamed vegetables of choice (broccoli, carrots, green beans, or zucchini)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Steamer basket or saucepan with lid

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Heat the pan: Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken: Add chicken in a single layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Add garlic & butter: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and glossy.
5. Steam veggies: While chicken cooks, steam vegetables until tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes.
6. Finish & serve: Garnish chicken with parsley and serve hot with steamed veggies

Pro Tips

• Meal prep: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Flavor boost: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
• Swap veggies: Frozen vegetables work great when short on time.
• Serving idea: Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for variety.

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