Certainly! Here’s a flavorful and simple recipe for lemon garlic chicken bites, perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, oregano, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have more time. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken Bites:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than searing.
- Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If needed, adjust the heat to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the chicken bites are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: These chicken bites are perfect as a standalone appetizer. Arrange them on a platter with lemon wedges and perhaps a dipping sauce like a simple garlic aioli or a tangy yogurt dip.
- As a Main Course: Serve the chicken bites over a bed of rice or quinoa, or alongside a crisp green salad. They also pair well with roasted vegetables or steamed greens for a balanced meal.
Tips:
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, try to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, even a quick 15-minute marinade will still add flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Just use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the fresh garlic.
- Cooking in Batches: If you’re making a larger quantity, cook the chicken in batches to ensure that each piece gets a nice sear. Overcrowding the skillet can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
Enjoy your lemon garlic chicken bites, whether you’re serving them as a party snack or a weeknight dinner!
