Looking for a quick and flavorful meal to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than our Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites recipe! Bursting with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender chicken, these bites are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
2. How do I ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy?
- Patting the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the chicken to brown evenly and develop a delicious flavor. Additionally, be careful not to overcook the chicken, as this can result in dryness.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- While these Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the dish and follow the cooking instructions.
4. What can I serve with these chicken bites?
- These chicken bites pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Feel free to get creative with your sides!
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 the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with dried oregano, dried basil, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic and Lemon:
- Once the chicken is cooked, push it to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the empty side of the skillet. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the garlic butter mixture, stirring to combine.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the garlic lemon butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For added freshness, you can sprinkle some lemon zest over the chicken bites just before serving.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more garlic for extra flavor or incorporate other herbs and spices for variety.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- This Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites recipe is naturally low in carbs, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets. Serve it alongside keto-friendly sides such as cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
In conclusion, our Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are a simple yet flavorful dish that can be whipped up in no time. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these chicken bites are sure to be a hit. So why wait? Head to the kitchen and give this recipe a try today!
