Introduction
Easy Lemon and Garlic Chicken Bites are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or appetizer. Bite-sized pieces of chicken are seared to golden perfection and coated in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, making them juicy, savory, and slightly tangy.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional:
Lemon wedges for serving
Cooked rice or pasta for serving
Instructions
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces and cook 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour lemon juice over chicken and sprinkle with lemon zest. Stir well to coat.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing sauce to slightly thicken.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Description
These Lemon and Garlic Chicken Bites are juicy, tender, and packed with bright, zesty flavor. The garlic adds savory depth while the fresh lemon provides a refreshing tang, making this dish light yet satisfying. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a flavorful appetizer.
Tips
Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Do not overcook to keep chicken tender.
Cook garlic briefly to avoid burning.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Serve immediately for maximum juiciness.
Variations
Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Herby: Add thyme or rosemary along with parsley.
Creamy Version: Stir in a tablespoon of cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
Vegetable-Packed: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skillet.
Marinated: Marinate chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
Correction
If chicken is dry:
Reduce cooking time slightly and check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F / 74°C).
If garlic burns:
Add garlic after chicken is mostly cooked.
If sauce is too thin:
Simmer for 1–2 more minutes to thicken slightly.
Enjoy
Enjoy Easy Lemon and Garlic Chicken Bites hot with a side of rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. The bright, garlicky flavor makes it a simple yet elegant dish for family dinners or quick meals.
If you want, I can also provide an oven-baked version, air fryer version, or meal-prep batch version for this recipe.