Introduction
Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the aromatic punch of garlic.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a savory appetizer for a gathering. Whether served over rice.
tossed in salads, or eaten as finger food, these juicy chicken bites are sure to please any palate.
Ingredients
Ingredients
-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
-4 cloves garlic, minced
-1 lemon (zested and juiced)
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
To begin, cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly.
so each bite is just as tender and flavorful as the next. Once your chicken is prepared, season it generously with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you like.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot before adding the chicken pieces.
allowing them to sear properly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to get a crispy golden exterior on each piece.
While the chicken is cooking, peel and finely chop the garlic. Once the chicken is browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes), remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a little butter, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan, collecting all the delicious bits of chicken that were left behind.
Add the garlic to the pan, and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.
Once the garlic is aromatic, squeeze in the juice of the fresh lemon, and stir the mixture to combine.
Return the chicken to the pan, stirring well to coat each piece with the garlic and lemon sauce. Let everything cook.
together for an additional 2-3 minutes so that the chicken absorbs the zesty sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Once the chicken bites are fully coated and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat.
Serve the lemon and garlic chicken bites immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or additional lemon wedges, if you like.
These chicken bites pair wonderfully with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple green salad, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
How to Make
Start by gathering your ingredients and prepping the chicken. It’s important to cut the chicken into small.
uniform pieces so they cook evenly. This can be done quickly by cutting the chicken into strips and then chopping those into bite-sized chunks.
Next, heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the pan, ensuring the pieces don’t crowd each other.
This step is crucial for getting that nice sear and golden brown color. Let the chicken cook for about 6-8 minutes.
stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. It’s important to check that the chicken is fully cooked through before proceeding.
While the chicken is cooking, chop the garlic and prepare the lemon by slicing it in half and squeezing out the juice.
Make sure to remove any seeds to avoid bitterness in the sauce. Once the chicken is done, set it aside and reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent the garlic from burning.
Now, add a small amount of butter to the pan to melt, allowing the flavors to meld with the remnants of the chicken.
Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, watching carefully as the garlic softens and releases its fragrant oils.
Squeeze the lemon juice into the pan, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. The lemon should combine beautifully with the garlic.
creating a fragrant base for the chicken. Add the chicken back into the pan, stirring to coat the pieces thoroughly in the lemon-garlic sauce.
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a couple more minutes, ensuring it absorbs all the flavor. If you like a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to add a little zest from the lemon peel into the sauce.
Once everything is well-combined and the sauce has slightly thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Now, your Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are ready to serve.
Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, try marinating the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors more deeply.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while cooking. This will balance the richness of the garlic and lemon with a mild heat.
To ensure the chicken remains juicy, avoid overcooking it. Remove the chicken from the pan as soon as it’s cooked.
through and golden on the outside. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so be mindful of the timing.
For a crispier texture, try coating the chicken in a light dusting of flour or cornstarch before frying. This will help create an extra crispy crust while keeping the inside tender.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. While fresh garlic offers the best flavor, this shortcut can save you time when needed.
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan after sautéing the garlic. This will help create a richer sauce that complements the chicken even more.
To make this dish even lighter, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Chicken thighs are slightly richer in flavor and can stay moist even if cooked for a little longer.
Conclusion
Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are a delightful and simple dish that can elevate any meal. With just a few ingredients.
you can create a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
The combination of tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and zesty lemon is universally loved, ensuring that this recipe will be a hit in your household.
With its versatility and ease of preparation, Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.