These Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are bright, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Tender chicken pieces are quickly seared until golden, then tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce that coats every bite. It’s a fast, fresh, and satisfying dish—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Juicy chicken with golden edges
- Fresh, bold lemon-garlic flavor
- One-pan and easy cleanup
- Great as a main or appetizer
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites
1. Season the Chicken
Toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
2. Sear
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
Lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the pan; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits.
4. Combine
Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce for 1–2 minutes until well coated and glossy.
5. Finish & Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed
- Use thighs for extra juiciness
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness
Serving Ideas
- Over rice or orzo
- With roasted vegetables
- Inside wraps or pita
- With a crisp green salad
Final Thought
These Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are simple, vibrant, and irresistibly good—proof that a few fresh ingredients can create big flavor fast. Once you try them, they’ll be on repeat.