Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are a tantalizing dish that combines the freshness of lemon with the savory goodness of garlic, resulting in a burst of flavors with every bite. This recipe offers a delightful balance of tangy and savory notes, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these delicious chicken bites in no time.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is a winner every time. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for more. Give it a try and experience the irresistible combination of lemon, garlic, and tender chicken!
Questions I often get asked about this recipe:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. However, keep in mind that thighs may require slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content.
Can I grill these chicken bites instead of baking them?
Absolutely! These chicken bites can be grilled over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them to prevent them from burning.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use skinless chicken breasts, reduce the amount of olive oil used in the marinade, and serve the chicken bites with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. You can also bake the chicken bites ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
What you need to make Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites:
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to make it:
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, if using.
Place the chicken skewers or chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
Marinate for Flavor
Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavorful chicken bites. For even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
Uniform Size
Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This ensures that all the chicken pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Baste with Marinade
While baking, you can baste the chicken with the remaining marinade halfway through cooking to keep the chicken moist and enhance the flavor.
Broil for Crispiness
For an extra crispy exterior, you can broil the chicken for a couple of minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Latest Reviews:
Julia: “These Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are absolutely delicious! The marinade infuses the chicken with so much flavor, and they’re incredibly juicy. This recipe is definitely going into my regular rotation.”
Michael: “I made these for a dinner party, and they were a hit! The combination of lemon and garlic is perfect, and the chicken turned out tender and flavorful. I’ll definitely be making these again.”
Sarah: “Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! These Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are a weeknight lifesaver. My whole family loved them, and they’re already asking when I’ll make them again.”
David: “As someone who’s not the most confident cook, I found this recipe to be really easy to follow. The chicken came out perfectly cooked and so flavorful. I’m impressed!”
Printable Recipe:
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, if using.
- Place the chicken skewers or chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
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