Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites

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🍗 Recipe: Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 8–10 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.

  • Seasoning: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp paprika.

  • Sautéing: 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter.

  • The Sauce: 4 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine), juice of 1 large lemon, and 1 tsp lemon zest.

  • Garnish: Fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (optional).

Instructions

  1. Season: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika until evenly coated.

  2. Sear: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden brown on all sides.

  3. Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Move the chicken to the side of the pan and add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  5. Finish: Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.

  6. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, and serve immediately.

💡 Notes & Tips

  • Don’t Overcrowd: If the pan is too full, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Give the pieces space to get that golden crust.

  • High Heat is Key: You want a quick sear to keep the juices locked inside.

  • Uniform Sizing: Try to cut the chicken into equal sizes so they all finish cooking at the same time.

🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 285 kcal

  • Protein: 36g

  • Fat: 14g

  • Carbohydrates: 3g

  • Fiber: 0.5g

✨ Benefits of This Dish

  • High Protein: Excellent for muscle recovery and keeping you full longer.

  • Low Carb/Keto Friendly: Naturally low in sugar and carbs, making it great for specialized diets.

  • Immune Boost: Fresh garlic and lemon provide a nice hit of Vitamin C and antimicrobial properties.

❓ Common Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs? A: Absolutely. Thighs are more forgiving and stay extra juicy, though they may take an extra 1–2 minutes to cook through.

Q: What should I serve this with? A: It pairs perfectly with roasted asparagus, cauliflower rice, or over a bed of buttery pasta or quinoa.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the texture.

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