Looking to add a burst of flavor to your weeknight dinner routine? Look no further than these delectable Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, these chicken bites are bound to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- Juice of ½ medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Directions:
- Prep the Chicken: Start by patting dry the chicken breast pieces with a paper towel. This helps ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust. Then, in a small bowl, combine the oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the chicken pieces, making sure they’re well coated.
- Cook the Chicken: In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken to the pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Lemon: Next, add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the chicken and stir everything together to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through and coated in the lemon garlic butter sauce, it’s ready to serve. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. These Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are best enjoyed hot and straight from the skillet.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Calories: 303 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Conclusion:
With its zesty lemon flavor and aromatic garlic undertones, this recipe for Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites is a true winner. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, these chicken bites are sure to delight. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get cooking tonight!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Fresh Greens: Serve these Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites atop a bed of crisp salad greens for a refreshing contrast to the zesty flavors of the chicken.
- Rice or Pasta: Pair the chicken bites with your favorite cooked rice or pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. The lemon garlic butter sauce makes for a deliciously savory topping.
- Dipping Sauces: Set out small bowls of your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or tzatziki, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle some additional chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side for a vibrant presentation and added freshness.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, flipping them occasionally for even heating.
- Freezing: While these chicken bites are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers for later enjoyment. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen chicken bites, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Once thawed, reheat following the instructions above.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites, whether serving them fresh from the skillet or enjoying them as a convenient make-ahead meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but keep in mind that they may require slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
2. I don’t have fresh parsley on hand. Can I use dried parsley instead?
While fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and flavor to the dish, you can certainly substitute dried parsley if that’s what you have available. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh herbs, so you’ll need to use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh parsley in the recipe. Adjust to taste.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party or gathering?
While these Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare them ahead of time and reheat before serving. Cook the chicken according to the recipe instructions, then allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
4. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as olive oil or margarine. Simply melt the dairy-free butter substitute in the skillet as directed in the recipe, then proceed with cooking the chicken and garlic as instructed. The result will still be flavorful and delicious, just without the dairy.