Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites delicious
Description
Tender chicken pieces tossed in a bright lemon-garlic marinade, lightly coated and pan-fried or oven-baked until golden and crisp. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or paired with rice, salad, or roasted veggies. Bursting with tangy, garlicky flavor with a hint of herbs.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30–60 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 45–80 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2–3 tbsp)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (optional: fresh parsley for garnish)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for a subtle smoky flavor)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for light coating, optional for crispiness)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken bites and toss to coat evenly.
Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Optional coating:
Lightly toss chicken in flour or cornstarch to give it a crisp exterior. Shake off excess.
Cook the chicken:
Stovetop method:
Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken bites in a single layer, cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from heat, drizzle a bit more lemon juice over the top.
Oven method:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Spread chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and lightly golden.
Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges, dipping sauce, or a side salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Yes! Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, especially for quick cooking.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Simply skip the flour or use cornstarch or almond flour for coating.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: You can marinate ahead, but cook right before serving for best texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 0.5g