Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick dinner or as a savory appetizer. With a delicious blend of herbs and a bright burst of lemon, these chicken bites are sure to be a hit. Here’s how to prepare this tasty recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pat dry with paper towel, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- Juice of ½ medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook without moving them for 2-3 minutes to get a good sear. Then, stir and continue to cook until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant and slightly golden—be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine with the garlic and melted butter, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken in the lemon garlic sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the chicken just before serving.
- Serve hot, ensuring each bite is coated with some of the lemon garlic sauce.
Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites over a bed of rice, alongside a fresh salad, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also work great as a topping for pasta.
- Adjusting Flavors: If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the sauce for an extra citrus punch. For more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added while cooking the garlic.
- Doubling the Recipe: This recipe is easy to double or triple if you’re serving more people or want leftovers. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion:
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are a delightfully simple and quick dish packed with flavors that appeal to both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner or a tasty party appetizer, these chicken bites are an excellent choice, bringing together the aromatic flavors of lemon and garlic in every delicious bite.