Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites!

Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Bites:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

• For the Lemon-Garlic Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1/2 tsp honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

   • Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the chicken marinate for about 15-30 minutes for maximum flavor (optional but recommended).

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Lemon-Garlic Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

   • Add lemon juice, honey (optional), and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the lemon-garlic sauce. Toss the chicken pieces to coat them evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, veggies, or even on a salad!

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, you can sear the chicken pieces in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side before making the sauce.

• Customize the flavor by adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for spice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

• Make it a meal: Serve these chicken bites over rice, quinoa, or a bed of leafy greens for a complete, healthy meal.

Q&A:

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes! Chicken thighs work great for this recipe. They’re juicy and tender, so they will absorb the flavors of the lemon and garlic very well.

Q2: Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prep and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the skillet with a little extra lemon juice for freshness.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

• Definitely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to the pan while cooking the chicken. It’ll add more flavor and texture.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.

Q5: Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

• Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter, and you’ll still have a delicious, dairy-free sauce.