Description
Zesty lemon garlic chicken bites deliver a Mediterranean-inspired flavor explosion perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Marinated tender chicken pieces promise a tangy, garlicky experience that will delight your taste buds and elevate simple meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Citrus and Seasoning:
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Cooking and Finishing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Thoroughly pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure optimal browning and prevent steaming during cooking.
- Season chicken uniformly with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the aromatic spice blend.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
- Carefully arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to promote proper caramelization and golden-brown exterior.
- Sauté chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning only once to develop a crisp, golden crust and maintain tender interior.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release its fragrant essence.
- Pour chicken broth into the pan, creating a quick pan sauce that helps deglaze and capture the flavorful browned bits.
- Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to incorporate the bright, citrusy notes throughout the chicken.
- Reduce heat and swirl in butter, creating a silky, rich sauce that coats the chicken bites.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from heat and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal freshness.
- Serve immediately while hot, drizzling any remaining pan sauce over the chicken bites for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Pat chicken pieces completely dry to guarantee crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent soggy texture when cooking.
- Ensure even seasoning by coating each chicken piece thoroughly with salt, pepper, and oregano for consistent flavor throughout the dish.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet to promote proper caramelization and allow each chicken bite to develop a beautiful golden crust.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the dish, cutting through the richness of butter and adding vibrant citrus notes that elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg