Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pat dry with paper towel, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ½ medium lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over all sides of the chicken pieces. Toss to evenly coat.
- Cook Chicken: In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Tilt the pan slightly to coat the base of the pan. Once melted, add chicken to the pan in an even layer to ensure even cooking. (Do not overcrowd the pan.) Cook 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Add the remaining butter. Once melted, add garlic and cook one more minute, or until fragrant, and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Finish with Lemon: Drizzle lemon juice over chicken and stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 265 kcal per serving
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 111mg
- Sodium: 446mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 28g
20 Popular Questions and Answers related to Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use dried parsley, but fresh parsley will offer a brighter flavor.
- Can I omit the butter and use olive oil instead?
- Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
- What can I serve with lemon garlic chicken bites?
- These chicken bites pair well with rice, quinoa, pasta, or a side salad.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Can I use minced garlic from a jar?
- Yes, you can use minced garlic from a jar if you don’t have fresh garlic available.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the seasoning mixture and cut the chicken in advance for quicker cooking.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Yes, but be mindful of the salt content, and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe to serve more people.
- Can I add other herbs or spices?
- Feel free to customize the seasoning blend with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, chicken tenders will work well in this recipe.
- Can I use lemon zest instead of lemon juice?
- Lemon zest can be used for added flavor, but lemon juice provides the necessary acidity.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter.
- Can I bake these chicken bites instead of pan-frying them?
- Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- Can I use chicken breast tenderloins instead of cutting chicken breasts into pieces?
- Yes, chicken breast tenderloins can be used for convenience.
- Can I use other types of meat, such as pork or beef?
- While this recipe is specifically for chicken, you can adapt it for other meats if desired.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
- Keep the heat at medium and stir the garlic frequently to prevent burning.
- Can I make this recipe spicy?
- Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Can I use this chicken in salads or wraps?
- Yes, these lemon garlic chicken bites would make a delicious addition to salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
- Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Here are some secrets to achieve the perfect Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh chicken breasts and fresh garlic for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients will enhance the taste of your dish.
- Properly Season the Chicken: Season the chicken generously with the mixture of dried oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Preheat the Pan: Preheat your skillet before adding the chicken. A hot skillet ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice sear on the outside.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming and ensure even browning.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks to prevent overcooking. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked, so cook just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Add Butter and Garlic at the Right Time: Add the remaining butter and minced garlic towards the end of cooking. This prevents the garlic from burning and ensures a fragrant garlic flavor without bitterness.
- Finish with Fresh Lemon Juice: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken just before serving. The acidity of the lemon brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing to the dish.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the chicken with additional chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Lemon garlic chicken bites are best served hot and fresh from the skillet. Serve them immediately to enjoy them at their peak flavor and texture.
- Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve the chicken bites with sides that complement the flavors, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
By following these secrets, you’ll be able to create perfectly seasoned, tender, and flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites that are sure to impress!