Description
🍋 Enjoy the burst of citrus flavor in each bite of these tender lemon garlic chicken pieces, perfect for quick dinners.
🐔 A delightful combination of garlic and herbs makes this a family favorite, ideal for pairing with your choice of sides.
Ingredients
1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, lean protein base
½ teaspoon dried oregano for herbal depth and warmth
½ teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning for subtle herbaceous notes
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper for mild heat and complexity
1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking and richness
3 to 4 tablespoons butter, divided for creamy texture and flavor
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of ½ to 1 medium lemon
2 teaspoons lemon zest
Instructions
First Step: Prepare ingredients Gather all ingredients including boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, dried oregano, basil or Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, olive oil, and butter. Chop fresh parsley if using.
Second Step: Season the chicken In a small bowl, mix dried oregano, basil or Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley if desired. Sprinkle evenly over chicken pieces and toss well to coat thoroughly with the seasoning blend.
Third Step: Cook the chicken Heat olive oil and 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for 6 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Fourth Step: Prepare the sauce Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to develop the buttery garlic lemon sauce.
Final Step: Combine and serve Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the lemon garlic butter sauce. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with preferred sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a wholesome meal.
Notes
🔪 Pat the chicken dry to ensure a nice brown crust when cooking.
🍋 Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor; the zest can enhance the citrus profile.
⏲️ To prevent overcooking, use a thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F before removing from heat.
- Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 303-310
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 17-18 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 37 g
Keywords: Lemon Garlic, Chicken Bites, Flavor-Packed, Skillet Dinner
