These Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are tender, juicy, and packed with zesty, garlicky goodness! Seared to golden perfection and coated in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce, this quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a healthy snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes!
- Bright & Flavorful – The perfect balance of garlic, lemon, and butter.
- Juicy & Tender – Bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and stay moist.
- Healthy & Low-Carb – Great for keto, paleo, and gluten-free diets.
- Versatile – Serve with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Bites:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt & black pepper
- Paprika (for color and flavor)
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Butter
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Lemon zest
- Chicken broth
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Pat Chicken Dry – This helps it brown better.
- Season Well – Toss chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat Olive Oil & Butter – In a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken – Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Sauté Garlic – In the same pan, add more butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze with Broth & Lemon Juice – Scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Simmer – Let sauce reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
- Return Chicken to the Pan – Coat in the lemon garlic sauce.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herb Lovers – Mix in fresh basil or thyme.
- Extra Crispy – Dredge chicken in flour before cooking.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use all olive oil instead of butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs will be just as flavorful and juicy.
What’s the best way to get a crispy sear?
Pat the chicken dry and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
What can I serve with this?
Rice, pasta, roasted veggies, or a side salad.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, tossing halfway.
How do I make this a full meal?
Serve over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or add steamed veggies.
Can I marinate the chicken first?
Yes! Marinate in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water to thicken.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway.
What’s the best skillet to use?
A cast-iron or stainless steel skillet gives the best sear.
Conclusion
These Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s ready in no time. Whether served with rice, veggies, or pasta, they’re a delicious go-to recipe for busy nights. Try them today and enjoy a bright and zesty chicken dish!
PrintLemon Garlic Chicken Bites
These Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are juicy, flavorful, and cooked in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, they make a perfect weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or protein-packed snack!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for crispier bites)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for balance)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Toss with cornstarch for a crispy texture (optional).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, chicken broth, and honey, simmering for 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Coat & Serve
- Return chicken bites to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Cook for 1-2 more minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- No chicken broth? Substitute with white wine or extra lemon juice.
- Meal Prep: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.