Description

Lemon garlic chicken bites are a quick and flavorful meal that brings together the freshness of lemon, the savory depth of garlic, and the aromatic touch of herbs. These tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken are cooked to perfection in butter, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor yet light enough for any meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple dinner or want to impress guests with a quick appetizer, this recipe delivers on taste and ease of preparation. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality dish ready in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 3–4 cloves)
½ medium lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps it brown better.
In a small bowl, mix together ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken pieces. Toss the chicken to ensure each piece is well-coated in the herbs and spices.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Once the butter has melted and begins to foam, tilt the pan slightly to ensure the entire base of the pan is coated with butter.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet in an even layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the chicken from browning properly.
Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on one side without stirring, allowing the chicken to sear and develop a golden-brown crust.
Flip the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides and almost cooked through.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Remaining Butter

Once the chicken is mostly cooked, push it to the side of the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet.
When the butter has melted, add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Stir the garlic in the butter and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Finish Cooking

Drizzle the juice of half a medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons) over the chicken and garlic mixture.
Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is coated in the lemon-garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for an additional minute or two, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the heat.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, or as a party appetizer with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or a yogurt-based lemon dip.

Notes

For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and garlic. The freshness of these ingredients adds a brightness and depth to the dish that bottled substitutes can’t match.
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning it. This ensures a proper sear when cooking and helps lock in moisture for tender, juicy chicken bites.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns evenly and doesn’t steam, which can result in a less flavorful dish.
Adjust the lemon juice and garlic to taste. If you like a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more juice at the end, or reduce it if you prefer a milder taste. Likewise, the amount of garlic can be increased or decreased based on your preference.
For a healthier option, you can substitute olive oil for butter. This reduces the saturated fat content while still delivering a delicious result.