Description
These Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are a quick, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in zesty lemon, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop, they’re perfect served over rice, pasta, or in wraps for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
To Serve
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let the oil heat until shimmering but not smoking to ensure a proper sear.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, arranging them without overcrowding. If needed, cook in batches. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the cooked chicken bites with fresh chopped parsley for brightness and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the chicken bites immediately with optional lemon wedges on the side to add an extra splash of fresh citrus if desired. These bites pair wonderfully with rice, pasta, salad, or wrapped in flatbread for a quick meal.
Notes
- Serve these chicken bites over rice, pasta, salad, or in wraps for versatile meal options.
- For added depth of flavor, stir in a splash of white wine or a pat of butter into the skillet just before finishing cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure the chicken sears properly and gets a nice golden crust.
- Marinating for the full 15 minutes enhances the lemon and garlic flavor inside the chicken.
