Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites

Here’s a detailed recipe for Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites—crispy, flavorful, and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. I’ll break it down step by step so it’s easy to follow.

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Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

Ingredients (serves 2-4)

For the chicken:

• 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons plain flour or cornstarch (for light coating, optional)

For garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

1. Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dried herbs.

3. Toss well so every piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for stronger flavor.

Tip: Don’t marinate too long with lemon juice if using breast meat; the acidity can slightly “cook” the chicken and change its texture.

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2. Coat the Chicken (Optional)

1. Lightly dust the marinated chicken with plain flour or cornstarch.

2. Shake off any excess. This gives the chicken a light crispy texture when cooked.

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3. Cook the Chicken

Option A – Pan-Fried (Quick & Crispy)

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add chicken pieces in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan).

3. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 74°C / 165°F).

4. Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Option B – Oven-Baked (Healthier)

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

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4. Make the Lemon-Garlic Sauce (Optional Extra)

1. In the same pan (if pan-frying), add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 minced garlic clove.

2. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

3. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken bites and toss to coat evenly.

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5. Serve

• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

• Serve with lemon wedges for extra zing.

• These bites go perfectly with rice, salad, or even as a finger-food appetizer.

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Tips for Best Results

• Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Don’t skip marinating; the lemon and garlic really enhance the flavor.

• For extra crispiness, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of flour.

• Chicken bites can also be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.

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