Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, then pan-seared to golden perfection. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, these chicken bites are infused with aromatic herbs and spices, making each bite deliciously savory with a fresh citrus kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant and aromatic marinade.
- Marinate the chicken. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing until each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Heat the skillet. Place a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small splash of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking and ensure a nice sear.
- Cook the chicken. Add the marinated chicken bites in a single layer to the hot pan. Cook for approximately 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink inside.
- Rest the chicken. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let the bites rest for a couple of minutes to redistribute the juices and retain moisture.
- Serve and garnish. Plate the Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites while hot, and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator instead of just 15 minutes.
- You can substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano if available, using about 1 tablespoon.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approximately 6 ounces)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken bites, pan-fried chicken, lemon garlic marinade
