One of my fondest memories from childhood involves summer vacations at my grandparents’ quaint cottage by the lake. As soon as we’d arrive, the air would fill with the tantalizing aroma of my grandmother’s cooking. She had a knack for transforming simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes that brought our family together. Her specialty was her lemon garlic chicken, a recipe that never failed to make our gatherings special.
Grandma’s kitchen was always bustling, and it was a magical place where the boundaries of time seemed to blur. She’d often enlist my help, and I’d find myself standing on a stool, eagerly stirring pots and admiring the way her kitchen would sparkle with warmth and laughter. The centerpiece of our meals was invariably her lemon garlic chicken, a dish that perfectly balanced zesty lemon and rich, savory garlic. Every bite was a nostalgic reminder of those summer days spent under the sun, surrounded by family and love.
Now, as an adult, I find myself recreating those cherished moments in my own kitchen. This recipe for Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites is a tribute to those unforgettable summers. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that brings together bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a flavorful blend of garlic and Italian herbs, then finished with a tangy lemon and buttery glaze. Each bite is a burst of flavor that instantly transports me back to my grandparents’ kitchen.
What I love about this recipe is its ease and versatility. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, satisfying meal on a lazy weekend. The lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing twist that brightens up the chicken, while the garlic and Italian herbs create a savory depth of flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, gather your loved ones, whip up this Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites recipe, and let it be the centerpiece of your next family meal. As you savor each bite, remember the stories that connect us to the food we love and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with those who matter most.
How to Make Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup light butter, such as I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter (Light)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
- Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and lemon zest.
- Coat each piece of chicken evenly in the flour mixture, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray it with olive oil.
- Cook the chicken in batches. Place half of the coated chicken in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once the first batch is cooked, remove it from the skillet and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more olive oil spray if needed.
- Meanwhile, mince the garlic cloves and juice the lemon.
- If there are any burnt bits left in the skillet, carefully wipe them away with a damp paper towel.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, return all the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and light butter.
- Toss the chicken to coat it evenly in the garlic, lemon, and butter sauce, allowing the flavors to blend for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the chicken bites hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Tips
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture. For a richer sauce, substitute half of the light butter with heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken bites pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or over a bed of rice. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra lemon-garlic sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can replace the light butter with olive oil for a dairy-free option. If you don’t have fresh garlic, substitute with 1 tsp of garlic powder in the sauce.
Seasonal Variations
During the summer, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the dish. In the winter, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (flour). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. For a dairy-free option, replace the butter with olive oil.
FAQ:
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken bites up to the point before adding the lemon, garlic, and butter. Store the cooked chicken in the refrigerator and finish the sauce just before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. They may require a slightly longer cooking time but will remain juicy and flavorful.
What can I do with leftover chicken?
Leftover chicken can be added to salads, used in wraps, or even mixed into pasta dishes for a quick meal.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken bites?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
What should I do if the chicken is dry?
If the chicken turns out dry, try reducing the cooking time slightly or adding a bit more butter or a splash of chicken broth to the sauce.
How can I make the dish lower in calories?
You can reduce the calorie content by using a non-stick skillet with minimal oil, replacing butter with a low-calorie cooking spray, and serving the chicken with a side of vegetables instead of starches.
Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup light butter like I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter (Light)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Zest the lemon.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, Italian herbs, kosher salt, and lemon zest.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Spray the skillet with olive oil.
- Cook the chicken in two batches. Add half of the chicken to the skillet and cook each side for a few minutes.
- The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Add more olive oil spray as needed.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes total, depending on the size of the pieces.
- Remove the first batch of chicken and repeat with the remaining pieces.
- Mince the garlic and juice the lemon.
- Once the second batch is done, remove it from the skillet.
- If there are any burnt bits in the skillet, wipe it clean with a damp towel.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Return all the chicken to the skillet and add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and light butter.
- Toss the chicken with the garlic, lemon, and butter, cooking for an additional few minutes until the flavors meld.
- Serve immediately.
