Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking process. You might need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes since thigh meat takes slightly longer to cook through.

What if I don't have fresh parsley?

While fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness, you can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons of dried parsley in a pinch. Alternatively, other fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can work well too, though they'll change the flavor profile slightly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a good quality dairy-free butter alternative. You'll lose some of the richness but will still get a delicious result. If using olive oil, consider adding a bit more lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Why did my garlic burn?

Garlic burns quickly due to its high sugar content. Make sure to add it toward the end of cooking as directed, and keep the heat at medium rather than high. If your stove runs hot, you might even want to reduce to medium-low when adding the garlic.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

Description

A simple and flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites recipe featuring tender chicken pieces seasoned with herbs and cooked to golden perfection in a buttery garlic sauce with a splash of lemon juice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

- - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pat dry with paper towel, cut into 1-inch pieces
  - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients

- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)

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Instructions

Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over all sides of the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
Cook the chicken: In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chicken pieces to the pan in an even layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is mostly cooked through.
Add garlic and finish cooking: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Add lemon juice and serve: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the chicken and stir to combine. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Notes

*See post for Air Fryer instructions as it is slightly different.
Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking of the chicken pieces.
Fresh parsley and lemon juice enhance the flavor, but dried parsley and bottled lemon juice can be used as substitutes in a pinch.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 80mg