Easy Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe – Quick & Flavorful Skillet Dinner
Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner idea? These Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are juicy, zesty, and ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan chicken recipe is packed with savory herbs, fresh lemon, and buttery garlic. It pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients:
-
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – patted dry and cut into 1-inch pieces
-
½ teaspoon dried oregano
-
½ teaspoon dried basil
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley – finely chopped
-
½ teaspoon kosher salt
-
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter – divided
-
2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
-
Juice of ½ a lemon (approximately 2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a small mixing bowl, combine the dried oregano, basil, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle this herb mixture evenly over the chicken pieces. Toss well to ensure every piece is fully coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
Add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely, tilting the pan to coat the base evenly.
Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer—avoid overcrowding the skillet for the best sear.
Step 3: Cook Until Golden
Cook the chicken for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cook until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is mostly cooked through (internal temp should be around 150–155°F at this stage).
Step 4: Add Garlic and Finish Cooking
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic.
Cook for an additional 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the chicken bites. Stir to combine and coat all the pieces evenly with the lemony-garlic butter sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
-
Serve over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.
-
Pair with sautéed vegetables, quinoa, or a crisp garden salad.
-
These chicken bites also make a great filling for wraps and meal-prep bowls.
Pro Tips:
-
Patting the chicken dry helps it sear better and prevents steaming.
-
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
-
Add red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
-
Ready in 20 minutes
-
One-pan cleanup
-
Naturally gluten-free
-
Family-friendly and keto-friendly
Enjoy this simple and delicious lemon garlic chicken recipe for a quick dinner that’s bursting with fresh flavors!