Introduction
These Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are a quick and versatile dish packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a party snack, these bites are seared until golden, then tossed in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce that’s both tangy and savory. Simple ingredients, bold flavor — what’s not to love?
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika (optional for color)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until chicken is evenly coated.
- Cover and marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (don’t overcrowd — cook in batches if needed).
- Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove cooked chicken from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
- Add 1 tbsp butter and let it melt.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add juice of ½ lemon and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor.
4. Finish & Serve:
- Return chicken bites to the pan and toss in the sauce until evenly coated and warmed through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of extra lemon if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or couscous.
- Add to a pita or wrap with tzatziki sauce and veggies.
- Top a salad with these bites for a protein-packed meal.
- Great for meal prep — store in fridge up to 4 days.
Chef’s Tips
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Let the chicken rest briefly before tossing it back in the pan to keep it juicy.