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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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