🍋 Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
🍴 Servings: 4
⏲️ Ready in: 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients:
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for cooking)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon (~2–3 tablespoons)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
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Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken (Quick Marinade – optional but flavorful):
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with:
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Olive oil
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Garlic
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Lemon zest
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Lemon juice
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Italian seasoning
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Paprika
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Salt & pepper
Let sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep your pan. (Or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.)
2. Cook the Chicken:
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Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed — avoid overcrowding).
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Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
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Deglaze pan with a splash of extra lemon juice or chicken broth if needed to pick up flavor bits.
3. Finish & Serve:
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Garnish with chopped parsley and a final squeeze of lemon.
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Serve hot over rice, quinoa, salad, pasta, or in wraps.
✅ Serving Ideas:
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Meal prep bowls with roasted veggies and rice
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Over a Greek salad with feta and olives
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In lettuce wraps with tzatziki
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As a protein boost in pasta or couscous
🔄 Variations:
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Use lime instead of lemon for a citrusy twist.
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Add butter to the skillet at the end for a richer sauce.
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Toss with honey for a sweet-savory glaze.
Let me know if you want a sheet pan or air fryer version!
