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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons) - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Mixing bowl - Measuring spoons - Large skillet - Slotted spoon - Paper towels - Red pepper flakes for heat - Grated Parmesan cheese for richness - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil for more flavor These ingredients come together to create a dish that bursts with zesty flavor. The chicken absorbs the lemon juice and zest, giving it a bright taste. The black pepper and garlic powder add depth. You can mix in optional ingredients to suit your taste. Red pepper flakes can add spice, while Parmesan cheese gives a savory kick. Use fresh herbs for a delightful twist. Enjoy crafting your lemon pepper chicken bites! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with two tablespoons of lemon zest and a quarter cup of fresh lemon juice. Add one teaspoon of black pepper, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes. This step infuses great flavor into the chicken. After the chicken has marinated, sprinkle a quarter cup of all-purpose flour over the pieces. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly in the flour. This coating helps create a nice, crispy texture when cooked. Make sure each piece is well covered for the best results. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken bites in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps with browning. Cook the chicken bites for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken bites from the skillet. Drain them on paper towels to absorb extra oil. Before serving, sprinkle on some fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy these flavorful bites! To make your chicken bites crispy, the flour coating is key. After marinating, gently sprinkle flour over the chicken. Toss it well to cover each piece. This flour helps create a crunchy outer layer when cooked. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps seal in the juices and keeps the bites crispy. Use a large skillet and avoid overcrowding. If you add too many pieces at once, they won’t brown well. Cook the chicken in batches if you need to. Flip the pieces halfway through cooking for even browning. This method gives you that perfect golden color and taste you want in each bite. To ensure your chicken is done, check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to see if it hits 165°F (75°C). This means it is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a piece in half. The meat should be white, not pink. These simple tips will help you serve perfectly cooked chicken bites every time. Pro Tips Marination Magic: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness. For an even deeper taste, marinate for up to 2 hours. Flour Coating: Ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with flour for a crispier texture. Shake off any excess flour before cooking. Temperature Control: Keep the oil at medium-high heat to achieve a golden brown crust without burning the chicken. Use a cooking thermometer to check the oil temperature if needed. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Consider adding a sprinkle of lemon juice just before serving for extra zest. {{image_2}} For a kick, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder. Mix these spicy ingredients with the lemon zest, black pepper, garlic, and onion powder. You can adjust the heat to your taste. This will give your chicken bites a zesty and fiery flavor. Serve them with a cooling dip, like yogurt or sour cream, to balance the heat. You can add veggies to your chicken bites for extra nutrition. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli work well. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the vegetables with the chicken in the marinating step. This way, they soak up all the lemon and spice flavors. When cooked together, you get a colorful and healthy meal. Both cooking methods create delicious chicken bites. Grilling gives a smoky flavor. It also adds nice grill marks. Use skewers for easy turning on the grill. Pan-searing offers a crispy texture. It’s quick and works well for a weeknight dinner. Choose your method based on your kitchen tools and taste preference. After enjoying your lemon pepper chicken bites, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. You should eat the leftovers within three days for the best flavor and safety. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them regain their crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but the bites may lose some crunch. If you want to keep the chicken bites longer, freezing is a great option. Let the bites cool completely first. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites hot. They shine as a snack or a meal. Pair them with a fresh salad or rice. A side of dipping sauce works well too. Try ranch or a spicy aioli for extra flavor. For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This brightens the dish and adds color. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They add more flavor due to higher fat content. Cut them into bite-sized pieces like chicken breast. The cooking time may be similar, but check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Thighs can make the bites juicier and more tender. To make these bites gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour or cornstarch works well too. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. This includes checking lemon juice and spices. Follow the same cooking steps for great results. Enjoy the crispy texture without the gluten! You now know how to make delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites. We covered the ingredients, tools, and extra flavor options. You learned step-by-step about marinating, coating, and cooking. Plus, I shared tips for crispiness and doneness. Don’t forget the tasty variations and storage info. Feel free to get creative with your chicken bites. Enjoy your cooking adventure! Each bite will surely impress your family and friends.

Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites

Crispy and flavorful chicken bites marinated in zesty lemon and spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
  • 1 4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for about 20 minutes.
  • After marination, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. This will provide a nice crispy texture when cooking.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken bites in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve better browning.
  • Cook the chicken bites for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken bites from the skillet and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • Sprinkle with additional lemon zest and freshly chopped parsley for garnish before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add more lemon zest before serving.
Keyword appetizer, bites, chicken, lemon