Mediterranean Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Bites over Garlic Butter Rice
This Mediterranean Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Bites dish is comfort food with a bright, fresh twist. Juicy pieces of chicken are seared to golden perfection, then coated in a silky lemon herb cream sauce that’s both tangy and aromatic. Served over fragrant garlic butter rice, it’s a balanced meal that feels restaurant-quality yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
The Mediterranean flavors come through in the use of olive oil, parsley, lemon, and garlic — staples that make the dish light but deeply flavorful. The result is a satisfying meal that’s rich but not heavy, perfect for anyone who loves that creamy-meets-citrusy balance.
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Juice of ½ lemon + 3 lemon wedges (for serving)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce:
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp butter
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Zest of ½ lemon + 1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Rice:
1 cup basmati rice
1 tbsp butter
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Salt, to taste
2 cups water
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Garlic Butter Rice
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the basmati rice and toast lightly for 1 minute to coat the grains in butter.
Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, until rice is fluffy and water is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 20–30 seconds.
Add the chicken bites and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Squeeze in the juice of ½ lemon and toss with chopped parsley. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the chicken bites to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to let flavors meld.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the garlic butter rice onto plates or bowls.
Top with creamy lemon herb chicken bites and extra sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
Don’t overcook the chicken: Small pieces cook quickly, so remove them as soon as they’re done to stay juicy.
Use fresh lemon: Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same bright flavor or aroma.
Deglaze for extra flavor: After searing the chicken, scrape the brown bits in the pan when making the sauce — they add depth.
Rice perfection: Toasting the rice in butter before adding water enhances the nutty aroma and keeps it from turning mushy.
Control the sauce thickness: If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth. If too thin, simmer a bit longer.
Serve immediately: Cream sauces can thicken as they sit, so serve while hot and silky.
Variations
Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Swap the rice: Serve with couscous, quinoa, or orzo for a different Mediterranean base.
Make it lighter: Substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt (stir off heat to avoid curdling).
Add heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil for a spicy kick.
Herb swap: Try basil or dill instead of parsley for a fresh twist.
Garlic lemon shrimp: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation — it cooks in just a few minutes.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the rice and cook the chicken up to a day in advance. Reheat gently and make the sauce fresh for best results.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work perfectly — they stay tender and add extra richness to the dish.
Q: How do I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil or coconut cream instead of butter and heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Use ½ teaspoon of dried parsley or Italian seasoning. Add it while making the sauce so it rehydrates in the cream.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Avoid boiling it; keep the heat on medium-low and stir constantly once the cream is added.
Nutrition Breakdown (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 540
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 420 mg
(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Bites over Garlic Butter Rice is the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. The lemony cream sauce adds a burst of brightness, the chicken is tender and flavorful, and the garlic rice ties it all together. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the family, it’s a complete meal that delivers comfort, freshness, and that signature Mediterranean balance of richness and lightness.