Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are a delicious, zesty, and savory appetizer or main dish that’s super easy to prepare! The combination of lemon and garlic creates a fresh, tangy marinade that perfectly complements the tender chicken. These bites are great for serving at a party, as a light dinner, or for meal prep. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a slight sweetness)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh, if you have it)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
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Marinate the chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey (if using), oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour (or overnight if you want a more intense flavor).
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Cook the chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan.
- Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium to prevent burning.
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Finish and serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the lemon & garlic chicken bites hot with extra lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
These Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are packed with bright, zesty flavors, and they pair well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or rice. They also make a great snack or appetizer if you’re entertaining.
Would you prefer a more savory twist with the addition of some grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat?