Of course! Lemon and Garlic Chicken Bites are a quick, flavorful, and incredibly versatile dish. They’re perfect as a main course served over rice, pasta, or veggies, or as a fantastic appetizer or salad topper.
This recipe focuses on achieving a beautiful sear on the chicken while infusing it with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and garlic.
Quick & Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
These come together in under 20 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal.
Yields: 2-3 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· For the Marinade/Seasoning:
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· Zest of 1 lemon
· 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1/2 a lemon)
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
· ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· For the Sauce (optional, to finish):
· ¼ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
· 2 tablespoons lemon juice
· 1 tablespoon butter
· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prep your sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken bites in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan (work in batches if necessary).
- Sear to Perfection: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- Make the Pan Sauce (Optional but Recommended):
· Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
· Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth (or white wine) and the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the hot skillet. Use a whisk to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is where the flavor is!).
· Let the liquid simmer and reduce by about half, for 1-2 minutes.
· Turn off the heat and stir in the butter and fresh parsley until the butter melts and creates a silky sauce. - Finish and Serve: Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
· Over Rice or Quinoa: The sauce is delicious soaked up by grains.
· With Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta like linguine or angel hair, adding a splash of pasta water to help the sauce cling.
· In a Salad: Let the chicken cool slightly and add to a bed of greens for a protein-packed salad.
· As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for a easy, crowd-pleasing party food.
· With Veggies: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a simple green salad.
Critical Tips for the Best Chicken Bites
· Pat the Chicken Dry: Before marinating, pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. This ensures a better sear instead of steam.
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam and become rubbery instead of developing a golden-brown crust. If needed, cook in two batches.
· Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts cook quickly, especially when cut into small pieces. Check for doneness early to keep them juicy.
· Use Fresh Lemon: The flavor of fresh lemon juice and zest is far superior to bottled juice in this simple recipe.
· Control the Garlic: To prevent the minced garlic from burning in the pan, you can add it to the marinade but scrape most of it off the chicken before searing. Add it back in when you make the sauce.
Popular Variations
· Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken: After making the pan sauce, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the butter for a rich, creamy version.
· Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the marinade for a sweet and tangy glaze.
· Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites: For a hands-off approach, toss the marinated chicken bites with 1 extra tablespoon of oil and spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. You won’t get the same sear, but it’s still delicious and easy.
This recipe is a true workhorse—simple, fast, and packed with flavor. Enjoy