Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe: Bite-sized Goodness!

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack a flavor punch.

These tender lemon garlic chicken bites deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Crispy golden edges lock in juicy chicken seasoned with zesty citrus and aromatic garlic.

Each morsel promises a delightful blend of tangy and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together in a symphony of culinary delight, creating a dish that’s both impressive and approachable.

Home cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Prepare to fall in love with a chicken recipe that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

What Tools Help With Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites

• Large skillet: Essential for perfectly browning and cooking chicken bites.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping ingredients.
• Chef's knife: For precise cutting of chicken and parsley.
• Mixing bowl: Used to season chicken with spices and cornstarch.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and coating chicken.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning and sauce ingredients.
• Zester or grater: To extract fresh lemon zest.

Steps To Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites

• Prep the Poultry

Grab your chicken and sprinkle it with a flavor explosion of seasonings. Dust lightly with cornstarch for an irresistible crunch that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

• Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Toss in those seasoned chicken pieces and let them sear until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep flipping to ensure even cooking and lock in those mouth-watering juices.

• Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

Use the same pan to create magic. Melt butter and add minced garlic with a sprinkle of spicy red pepper flakes. Pour in fresh lemon juice, bright zest, rich chicken broth, and a drizzle of honey. Let everything bubble and mingle, creating a sauce that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Bring It All Together

Reunite the crispy chicken with the tangy sauce. Gently toss until every bite is perfectly coated. Give it a quick simmer to let the flavors become best friends. Finish with a shower of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Helpful Ideas For Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites

• Quick Marinade Magic: Let chicken sit in the seasoning mix for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance deeper flavor infusion and tenderness.
• Low-Carb Crunch Alternative: Skip cornstarch and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly crispy coating that keeps carbs minimal.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: These chicken bites can be cooked ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner shortcuts.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick that adds exciting depth to the dish.
• Protein Swap Options: Replace chicken with firm tofu, shrimp, or lean turkey pieces for diverse protein alternatives that work beautifully with the zesty lemon garlic sauce.

How To Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites

• Zesty Plate Companions: Pair these tangy chicken bites with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious lemon garlic sauce.
• Fresh Side Kick: Create a crisp cucumber and dill salad that provides cool contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.
• Mediterranean Meal Builder: Serve alongside warm pita bread or couscous to transform the chicken bites into a complete Mediterranean-inspired dinner experience.
• Quick Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick yogurt-based tzatziki sauce or garlic aioli for an extra layer of creamy, zesty flavor that complements the chicken's bright notes.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites Storage And Planning

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up a large batch of chicken bites and portion them out for quick meals throughout the week. These tasty morsels work perfectly for lunch prep or grab-and-go dinners.
• Refrigerator Rescue: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain the crispy texture and prevent soggy chicken.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Pack cooled chicken bites in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm chicken bites in a skillet over medium-low heat to revive their crispy exterior. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the chicken tough and rubbery. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the meat juicy and refreshed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything Inside Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites

• Chicken Pieces: Lean protein that absorbs flavor beautifully, choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy preparation.
• Salt: Enhances chicken's natural taste and helps tenderize the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the chicken's seasoning.
• Paprika: Introduces warm, slightly smoky undertones and beautiful color.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic essence throughout the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Creates irresistibly crispy exterior when coating chicken.

• Olive Oil: Provides healthy cooking medium with rich, smooth flavor.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps create silky sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: Builds depth and moisture in the final sauce.

• Fresh Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic punch to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle, warming spiciness.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy freshness to balance rich ingredients.
• Lemon Zest: Adds concentrated citrus aroma and intense flavor.
• Honey: Balances acidity with subtle sweetness and helps sauce glaze.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal finish and vibrant green color.

Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic chicken bites deliver Mediterranean flavors with zesty herbs and tangy citrus notes. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make this simple dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for crispier bites)
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp honey (for balance)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Lavishly coat chicken pieces with a harmonious blend of spices, creating a deeply flavored exterior. Delicately dust with cornstarch to guarantee an ultra-crispy finish.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high flame until shimmering. Carefully introduce seasoned chicken, allowing each piece to develop a rich golden-brown crust. Cook thoroughly, ensuring complete doneness, then transfer to a holding plate.
3. Sauce Creation: Utilize the same pan to construct a vibrant sauce. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic with red pepper flakes, releasing their aromatic essence. Stream in lemon juice, zest, chicken broth, and honey. Simmer the mixture, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop a complex, layered profile.
4. Final Integration: Return chicken to the pan, gently tumbling to ensure complete sauce coverage. Let the chicken absorb the sauce’s nuanced flavors for a few moments, creating a harmonious marriage of textures and tastes.
5. Plating: Arrange glazed chicken bites on a serving platter, generously garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, capturing the dish’s warmth and vibrant sauce.

Notes

• Cornstarch Coating Trick: Lightly dusting chicken with cornstarch creates an ultra-crispy exterior that locks in moisture and enhances golden-brown color.
• Precise Pan Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the chicken or seasonings.
• Sauce Balancing Technique: Adjust lemon and honey ratio to control tanginess and sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile that complements the chicken.
• Herb Freshness Boost: Chop parsley just before serving to maximize its vibrant flavor and bright green color, adding a fresh finishing touch to the dish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg