Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika until they are evenly coated.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Sauté the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.
• Brown the chicken: Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon & Garlic Sauce:

• Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
• Deglaze the pan: Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate more flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

4. Combine and Serve:

• Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet with the lemon and garlic sauce. Toss the chicken to coat it in the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

5. Serve:

• Serve the Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites hot, with your choice of sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. These bites also make great appetizers or can be used to fill wraps or sandwiches.

Tips:

• Extra flavor boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat.
• Marinate: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon juice, garlic, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Alternative proteins: This recipe also works well with shrimp or tofu as a chicken substitute.

Enjoy your Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites—they’re sure to become a favorite!