Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites

• servings: 4

Ingredients

1.5 pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)

1 lemon, zested and juiced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet, based on preference)

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)

Directions

Preparation

Preheat the Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken bites cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

Make the Marinade:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, sea salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. The olive oil serves as the base of the marinade, while the lemon and garlic provide robust flavor.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinate the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. For the best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor and tenderizes the meat.

Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures that the chicken bites cook evenly and are easy to remove from the baking sheet.

Cooking the Chicken

Arrange the Chicken on the Baking Sheet:

After marinating, remove the chicken pieces from the refrigerator. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that the pieces are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy chicken.

Bake the Chicken Bites:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

Broil for Extra Crispiness:

For added crispiness, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid burning. Broiling intensifies the caramelization and provides a delightful crunch.

Serving

Garnish and Serve:

Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and extra flavor. The lemon wedges are perfect for squeezing over the chicken bites just before eating.