Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites: A Quick and Flavorful Dish
Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are a perfect dish when you’re craving something flavorful, quick, and easy to prepare. These tender chicken bites are coated in a blend of aromatic herbs, then sautéed to golden perfection in a skillet. A finishing touch of fresh lemon juice and garlic creates a mouthwatering combination that’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or as a delicious appetizer for any occasion.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, the step-by-step instructions, and some tips to make your Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites even better.
Ingredients for Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites
This recipe requires simple, fresh ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ½ medium lemon (juiced, about 2 tablespoons)
These ingredients come together to create a perfectly seasoned and juicy chicken dish with the right balance of herbs, butter, garlic, and citrusy lemon.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites
1. Prepare the Chicken Pieces
Start by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This is important to ensure that the chicken will sear nicely in the pan, instead of steaming. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine dried oregano, dried basil, fresh parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over all sides of the chicken pieces. Then, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and toss to evenly coat. This will give the chicken a delicious herbaceous flavor and help the seasoning stick during cooking.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted and coated the base of the pan, add the chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow for even cooking. Let the chicken cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown on all sides and mostly cooked through by this point.
4. Add Garlic and Remaining Butter
Once the chicken is mostly cooked through, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute, or until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn. This step adds a wonderful, aromatic garlic flavor to the chicken.
5. Add Lemon Juice
Once the chicken is fully cooked (with an internal temperature of 165°F), drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the chicken. Stir to combine everything, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Your Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are now ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. These chicken bites are perfect for meal prep, too—just store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Tips for Perfect Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites
1. Use Fresh Herbs
While dried herbs work well, using fresh oregano and fresh basil will enhance the flavor of the dish. Fresh herbs bring a vibrant taste that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and the acidity of the lemon.
2. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
To get a nice golden crust on your chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If needed, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan traps steam, which can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
3. Adjust the Seasoning to Taste
This recipe calls for kosher salt and black pepper, but feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences. For a little heat, you could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Add Veggies for a Complete Meal
For a well-rounded meal, serve these chicken bites with roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, or a side of quinoa. You can even toss the chicken bites into a pasta for a quick and flavorful dish.
5. Perfect Lemon Flavor
For the best lemon flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice. The freshness of the juice enhances the overall taste of the dish and adds a zesty, refreshing contrast to the richness of the butter.
6. Ensure Proper Cooking Temperature
For the juiciest chicken, it’s important to cook the chicken pieces to an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer will ensure that your chicken is cooked perfectly without being dry or overcooked.
Why You’ll Love Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, flavorful meal.
- Flavorful & Versatile: The combination of herbs, garlic, and lemon creates a dish that is both light and satisfying. You can easily customize it to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The chicken bites hold up well in the fridge, making them ideal for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Conclusion
Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are a simple yet delicious dish that packs a punch of flavor. The combination of fresh herbs, buttery garlic, and a zesty lemon finish makes this dish an irresistible option for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping for the week ahead, or entertaining guests, this recipe will never disappoint.
Try making these Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites today and enjoy a meal that’s full of flavor, fast to prepare, and sure to satisfy your taste buds.