These lemon and garlic chicken bites are tender, juicy pieces of chicken cooked in butter and infused with fresh garlic, herbs, and bright lemon juice. They are simple to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an easy protein to add to salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe comes together quickly using basic ingredients you likely already have on hand. The chicken stays juicy on the inside while developing a golden, buttery exterior. The combination of garlic, herbs, and lemon creates a balanced flavor that is both fresh and comforting. It is also versatile, making it easy to serve as a main dish or as part of a larger meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, patted dry and cut into 1-inch pieces
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons minced garlic
½ medium lemon, juiced, about 2 tablespoons
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, dried basil, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces and toss until all sides are well coated.
Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and allow it to melt, tilting the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Stir gently and cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and cling to the chicken.
Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Total time is about 25 minutes.
Variations
For a spicy version, add ¼ teaspoon of red chili flakes along with the dried herbs.
For a richer sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of cooking cream at the end and simmer gently for 1 minute.
You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Add vegetables such as zucchini slices or green beans to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking for a one-pan meal.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a small amount of butter or water to prevent drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless and skinless chicken thighs work very well and may result in even juicier bites.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in advance and reheat it gently before serving.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used if needed.
Can I freeze lemon and garlic chicken bites?
Yes, allow the chicken to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What can I serve with this dish?
These chicken bites pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I reduce the amount of butter?
Yes, you can reduce the butter slightly, but it will affect the richness of the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well and reheats easily, making it a good option for meal prep.
Can I add more garlic?
Absolutely, you can increase the garlic to suit your taste.
Does this recipe work in a non-stick pan?
Yes, a non-stick skillet works well and helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
Conclusion
Lemon and garlic chicken bites are a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers big taste with minimal effort. With tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and a bright lemon-butter sauce, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite for quick meals and easy entertaining.
These lemon and garlic chicken bites are tender, buttery, and packed with fresh herb and citrus flavor. Quick to make and incredibly versatile, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners or as a flavorful protein for salads and bowls.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons minced garlic
½ medium lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this seasoning blend until evenly coated.
Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter, swirling to coat the bottom.
Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the lemon juice and stir to coat the chicken. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Stir in a bit of cream for a richer sauce.
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add vegetables during the last few minutes for a one-pan meal.
Serve with rice, salad, or roasted veggies for a complete dish.
