Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites

Table of Contents

Introduction

Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are a quick, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Tender chicken pieces are pan-seared until golden, then tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce that’s fresh, savory, and irresistibly aromatic. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Total Time: 22–25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Season the Chicken

In a bowl, toss chicken bites with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning until evenly coated.

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).

Add Lemon

Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Combine & Finish

Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy and well combined.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Add red chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Finish with a splash of cream for a richer sauce.

Great for meal prep—keeps well refrigerated for 3 days.

Serving Ideas

Serve over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites deliver big flavor with minimal effort—bright, buttery, and incredibly satisfying. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation!