Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Lemon garlic chicken bites are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The combination of tangy lemon and savory garlic creates a burst of flavor in every bite, making this dish the perfect choice for both casual meals and special occasions.
How to Cook Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Looking for a quick, flavorful recipe that’ll impress your friends and family? Meet Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites. Perfectly golden, tender pieces of chicken infused with the zesty brightness of lemon and the savory depth of garlic. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for anyone to master.
Get ready to add this winner to your collection of home cooking ideas!
Ingredients and Tools
Before we get started, here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this mouthwatering dish:
Ingredients
- 1½ lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (olive oil preferred)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Tools
- Sharp cutting knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Non-stick pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Zester or fine grater
Pro Tip: Opt for fresh garlic, parsley, and lemons for the best flavor. You can find these at most grocery stores or your local farmer’s market.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s walk you through crafting perfect Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites step-by-step.
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. Place them in a mixing bowl and season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, ground coriander, and cornstarch. Drizzle the lemon juice on top, then mix well until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Place a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooking oil. You can use olive oil or any neutral oil like canola oil, but olive oil adds an extra layer of rich flavor. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer (avoid overcrowding for even cooking). Sear them for about 4 minutes on each side, ensuring they are golden-brown and cooked through. Check that the center of each piece is fully white and no longer pink.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest over the cooked chicken. Stir to combine, then remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish, and they’re ready to go!
Pro Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum flavor and crispness.
Variations and Customizations
Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few ideas to adapt the recipe to your needs or preferences:
- For a Creamy Twist: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Keto-Friendly Option: Swap the cornstarch with almond flour to keep the recipe low-carb.
- Veggie Additions: Toss in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli while cooking the garlic to add color and crunch.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix for some heat.
No matter your dietary preferences, there’s a tweak for you!
Serving Suggestions
Not sure what to pair with your Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites? These sides and drinks make the perfect match:
- Sides: Serve over steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Greens: Pair with a crisp arugula salad or roasted asparagus for a lighter plate.
- Drinks: A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing lemon iced tea, complements the zesty flavor perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh and reheat like a pro:
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a drizzle of water or broth to prevent the chicken from drying out. Microwave at a low setting for 1-2 minutes if you’re in a rush!
Pro Tip: Avoid reheating the chicken more than once to maintain its texture and flavor.
Common Questions About Lemon Garlic Chicken
Do you put lemon juice on chicken before or after cooking?
Both! Adding lemon juice before cooking infuses the chicken with a tangy flavor, while a final drizzle after cooking enhances brightness.
How long to cook diced chicken in the pan?
Generally, it takes about 6-8 minutes in total. Cook 3-4 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked.
How to make chicken tender and soft?
Using cornstarch in the marinade helps lock in moisture, resulting in juicy chicken bites.
How long can raw chicken sit in lemon juice?
Avoid marinating chicken in lemon juice for more than 30 minutes, as the acid can break down the proteins too much, making the meat mushy.
Why not to cook lemon juice?
Cooking lemon juice for too long may make it taste bitter. Add it fresh during or after cooking to retain its vibrant flavor.
Can you cook with bottled lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice offers a brighter and more complex flavor for your dish.
What happens when lemon juice is heated?
When heated, lemon juice can lose some of its zesty brightness, so it’s usually best added at the end for maximum impact.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved these Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites, explore these citrusy delights next:
- Lemon Butter Chicken
- Lemon Chicken
- Lemon Chicken and Vegetables
- Honey Garlic Chicken
Try it Tonight!
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites make for an irresistible dish that is sure to wow your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, the simplicity and flavors of this recipe are hard to beat.
We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Instagram using #LemonGarlicBites and tag us @GetRecipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more recipes just like this one.
Happy cooking!
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Equipment
- Sharp cutting knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Non-stick pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Zester or fine grater
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, ground coriander, cornstarch, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add cooking oil. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until aromatic.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook for around 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a little lemon zest over the chicken, stirring to combine. Then remove the pan from the heat.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Opt for fresh garlic, parsley, and lemons for the best flavor. You can find these at most grocery stores or your local farmer’s market.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum flavor and crispness.
Nutrition
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