Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces of chicken sautéed to golden perfection and coated in a vibrant, tangy lemon garlic sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice. This quick and easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, served over rice or your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Sauce and Flavoring
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving
- Lemon slices for serving (optional)
- Cooked rice or other sides for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to warm for a minute until shimmering.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Remove chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the sauce base: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic, red chili flakes (if using), lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce. Stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the lemon garlic sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 1 to 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and add optional lemon slices for a bright presentation. Serve the lemon garlic chicken bites hot over cooked rice or your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner meat.
- Adjust red chili flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan variation.
- To make this gluten-free, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
