Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are a quick, flavorful dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with the fresh, bright flavors of lemon and garlic. Perfectly seasoned with herbs like oregano and basil, these bite-sized pieces of chicken are cooked in a buttery, garlic-infused sauce that delivers a satisfying, savory experience with every bite. Whether you’re making them as a weeknight dinner or serving them as an appetizer, these chicken bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The balance of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs makes this dish both refreshing and comforting at the same time.
Why This Recipe Works
This Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites recipe works so well because it combines simple ingredients with easy-to-follow steps to create a flavorful, satisfying dish. The chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces, which ensures they cook quickly and evenly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. The seasonings, including dried oregano, basil, and parsley, give the chicken a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that complements the garlic and lemon beautifully.
The key to success in this recipe is the butter. Cooking the chicken in butter ensures it stays tender and juicy, while also imparting a rich, creamy texture that elevates the overall dish. The garlic adds a fragrant, savory depth, and the final squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up, balancing the richness of the butter and enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make these delicious Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The chicken breasts are the perfect base for this dish, providing a tender and lean protein that will absorb all the seasonings and flavor from the garlic and butter.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano – A classic herb in Mediterranean cooking, oregano adds a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil – Basil brings a subtle, sweet, and aromatic note that complements the garlic and lemon perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley – Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild peppery flavor that balances the richness of the butter.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Salt enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the seasonings, bringing the dish together.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – A small amount of black pepper adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning mix.
For Cooking:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – The butter is essential for cooking the chicken, helping to keep it moist and juicy while also creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic – Garlic is the star of the flavor profile, providing a fragrant, savory base for the dish.
For the Finishing Touch:
- ½ medium lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons) – The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty kick that lifts the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the butter.
How to Make Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites
Making Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites is a straightforward process, but the end result is a flavorful dish that will leave everyone wanting more. Here’s how you can make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice sear in the pan. In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, dried basil, chopped fresh parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken pieces, tossing to coat the chicken evenly. The herbs and spices will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is slightly bubbly, add the chicken to the skillet in an even layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, so if necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Allow the chicken to cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, or until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is mostly cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of about 160°F during this step, as it will continue to cook when you add the garlic and lemon juice.
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Finish Cooking
Once the chicken is mostly cooked through, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Let it melt and coat the chicken. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step infuses the butter with garlic flavor, making the sauce rich and aromatic. Stir the chicken and garlic together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the garlic-butter sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and is fully cooked through.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring that the chicken is coated with the garlicky butter and lemon sauce. The bright acidity of the lemon juice will cut through the richness of the butter, adding balance and freshness to the dish.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning the chicken, pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick to the chicken better and ensures it sears properly in the pan, giving the chicken a nice golden-brown crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you add too many pieces of chicken at once, it can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, resulting in less flavor and texture. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor in this dish. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it can lack the intensity of flavor that freshly minced garlic imparts.
- Adjust Lemon to Taste: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to squeeze in more lemon juice. Likewise, if you’re not a fan of too much lemon, start with less and adjust to taste.
- Make It a Meal: Serve the chicken bites over rice, pasta, or a bed of greens to create a complete meal. The bright and savory flavor of the chicken pairs perfectly with the richness of a creamy pasta or the freshness of a salad.
- Add Vegetables: If you want to add some vegetables to the dish, consider sautéing some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the chicken. These vegetables will soak up the lemon-garlic sauce and add color and nutrition to the dish.
How to Serve
Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas for how to serve this dish:
- With Rice: Serve the chicken bites over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful garlic-butter sauce, making each bite even more delicious.
- With Pasta: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta. Try serving the chicken over spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a hearty meal. You can even toss the pasta in the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.
- With a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken with a side of mixed greens, a Greek salad, or a Caesar salad. The freshness of the greens pairs perfectly with the richness of the chicken.
- As an Appetizer: These chicken bites are great on their own as an appetizer or snack. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or even a garlic aioli.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a wholesome and nutritious meal.
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving
Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that works well for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as part of a larger meal or as a stand-alone dish, their zesty, garlicky goodness is sure to delight your taste buds. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a burst of fresh flavors with every bite!