There’s something undeniably magical about the smell of sizzling chicken, garlic, and lemon filling the kitchen. For me, it brings back vivid memories of summers spent in my grandmother’s sun-drenched kitchen, where the aroma of her cooking would drift through the open windows and mingle with the fresh, earthy scent of the garden. Those were the days when family gatherings meant more than just a meal; they were a celebration of love, laughter, and shared stories.
I remember one particular summer evening, when the whole family would gather at my grandparents’ house for what was always a feast. My grandmother had this incredible ability to turn the simplest ingredients into a dish that felt like a warm embrace. One of her most beloved recipes was her lemon garlic chicken—juicy, tender pieces of chicken marinated to perfection and cooked until they were golden brown and bursting with flavor. It wasn’t just the food that made those meals special; it was the way she made everyone feel welcome and cherished.
These Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are a nod to those cherished memories, a recipe that captures the essence of my grandmother’s cooking. The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant garlic creates a vibrant, fresh flavor that’s simply irresistible. The secret lies in the marinade—allowing the chicken to soak up the tangy lemon and savory garlic gives it an incredible depth of flavor. The quick cooking time means you can have this delicious dish ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together with friends.
As you prepare these chicken bites, imagine yourself transported to a sunlit kitchen, surrounded by loved ones. The sizzle of the chicken in the pan and the intoxicating scent of lemon and garlic will fill your kitchen, just as it once did in my grandmother’s home. Serve these bites as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a light and satisfying main course.
Every bite of these Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites is a tribute to those special moments shared around the table, reminding us of the joy that food and family can bring. I hope this recipe brings the same warmth and happiness to your home as it has to mine.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter for cooking
Directions
- Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken pieces into a zip-lock bag.
- In the bag, add avocado oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
- Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- When you’re ready to cook, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or butter in a large skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken, spreading it in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Then stir the chicken and continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the chicken turns a golden brown.
- The chicken should be fully cooked after about 7 to 8 minutes. You can cook a little longer if you prefer a darker golden color.
- Serve the chicken bites with your favorite dipping sauce as an appetizer or alongside side dishes as a main course.
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispiness.
Cooking Tips
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. If you don’t have ghee, butter or a high-heat oil can be used instead. For added texture, try finishing the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken bites are perfect as an appetizer with a side of lemon aioli or ranch dressing. They also pair well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have avocado oil, olive oil can be used as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of ghee or butter.
Seasonal Variations
In the summer, you can add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the marinade for a fresh twist. During the fall, consider adding a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal flavor profile.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains chicken, garlic, and dairy (if using ghee or butter). For a dairy-free version, substitute ghee with coconut oil or a non-dairy spread.
FAQ:
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, but you can leave it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating and cooking for even cooking and better texture.
What can I serve with these chicken bites?
These chicken bites go well with a variety of sides such as a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or even some roasted potatoes.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken bites?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
How can I make these chicken bites spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade to increase the heat level.
What type of skillet is best for cooking these chicken bites?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and achieving a golden brown finish.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 5 cloves garlic minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter for cooking
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and place them in a zip-lock bag. Add avocado oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Seal the bag and shake until the chicken is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes, up to 24 hours.
- When ready to cook, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or butter in a large skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to let much of the liquid evaporate. After 5 minutes, stir the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly gone and the chicken is golden brown.
- The chicken will be fully cooked after about 7 to 8 minutes. You can remove it from the heat at this point or cook a bit longer to achieve a deeper golden-brown color.
- Serve the chicken bites with a dipping sauce as an appetizer or with side dishes for a main course.
