Description
Bright, zesty, and full of flavor, these Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are more than just a meal; they’re a culinary delight that can elevate any dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices for serving (optional)
- Cooked rice or other sides for serving
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a nice golden-brown sear during cooking. Once dry, season the chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring every piece is coated.
- In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Allow the chicken to sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to perform this step in batches to avoid steaming the chicken.
- After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and red chili flakes (if using). Sauté for 30–45 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Add the lemon zest and a pinch of salt, stirring everything to combine.
- Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1–2 minutes; this will deglaze the pan and meld the flavors. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce so each piece is well-coated. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs the zesty flavors.
- To finish, remove the skillet from heat and garnish the Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with freshly chopped parsley and optional lemon slices for a visually appealing presentation. Serve them hot, over a bed of rice, paired with your favorite sides, or tucked into wraps for an easy and delicious meal!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Protein: 28 g