Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites
🕒 Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 12–15 minutes
- Total: ~25 minutes
🍽 Servings
- 4 servings
🧾 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp chicken broth (optional, for extra sauce)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer.
- Cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
3. Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter to the skillet.
- Once melted, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth if using.
- Simmer 1–2 minutes.
4. Finish & Serve
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Sprinkle with parsley and optional red pepper flakes or Parmesan.
- Serve hot.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Over rice, quinoa, or orzo
- With roasted veggies or a simple salad
- In lettuce wraps or tucked into pita
🔄 Variations & Tips
- Extra crispy: Toss chicken lightly in cornstarch before cooking.
- Creamy version: Add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
- Honey lemon: Add 1–2 tsp honey for a sweet balance.
- Air fryer: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
