Description
These Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites are a fast, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken breast or thighs, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a buttery glaze. This easy chicken recipe is perfect for weeknights, served over rice or pasta, and packs a zesty punch with every bite. A top pick for quick dinners, high-protein meals, and easy skillet chicken recipes.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower the heat slightly and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to infuse the sauce with flavor.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon garlic butter sauce.
6. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and optional parsley. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
7. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or vegetables. Spoon any extra sauce on top.
Notes
For the juiciest result, avoid overcooking the chicken—cook in batches if needed.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice may taste bitter.
This recipe works equally well with chicken thighs if you prefer more tender, rich meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg