Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites

📋 Description:

Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are juicy, golden-seared chunks of chicken breast marinated in zesty lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, lunch prep, or party appetizer, these flavorful bites are tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside. Serve with rice, veggies, or toss in a salad.

📝 Ingredients for Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites

• 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• Juice of 1 large lemon

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp paprika (optional for color)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 15–30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).

2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken (shake off excess marinade) and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

3. Garnish & Serve:
   Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh parsley, and serve warm with your favorite sides.

🧠 Notes:

• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier bite.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if necessary for a crisp sear.

• Add chili flakes if you like a little heat.

💡 Tips:

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor — bottled juice may taste bitter.

• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for better juiciness.

• Serve with garlic rice, grilled veggies, wraps, or over salad greens.

🍽️ Servings:

Serves: 3–4
Serving Size: ~1 cup of chicken bites (~115g)

🧾 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 230

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 0.3g

• Sugar: 0.5g

• Sodium: 320mg

✅ Benefits:

• High Protein: Great for muscle maintenance and low-carb diets.

• Quick Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes.

• Flavorful & Light: Low in carbs and sugar with fresh lemon zest.

• Versatile: Works well for meal prep, appetizers, or dinner.

❓Q&A:

Q: Can I bake the chicken bites instead of pan-frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I meal-prep these chicken bites?
A: Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat well in a skillet or microwave.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: You can, but fresh lemon juice gives a much brighter, fresher flavor.

Q: What sauces pair well with this?
A: Try tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce, hummus, or even a drizzle of honey mustard.