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Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites: Zesty, Juicy & Easy Recipe

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Get ready to enjoy these Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites, an explosion of bright, tangy lemon and savory cracked black pepper. Perfectly tender and juicy, they’re a quick and delicious addition to any meal!

Ingredients

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs
  • High-Quality Lemon Pepper Seasoning
  • Fresh Lemons
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Fresh Parsley or Chives

Instructions

  1. First, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and pat them really dry with paper towels.
  2. Next, cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch bite-sized cubes.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine your cut chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of good quality lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and the zest of one lemon.
  4. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, adjusting if your lemon pepper seasoning is already quite salty.
  5. Using your hands, toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every chicken bite is evenly coated.
  6. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
  7. For the pan-frying method, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Add about half of the chicken bites to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  9. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the second batch.
  11. For the baking method, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  12. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and slightly golden.
  13. Once all the chicken bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter.
  14. Squeeze the juice of half a fresh lemon over the hot chicken and sprinkle with more lemon zest and optional fresh parsley or chives.
  15. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Keywords: Ensure uniform chicken pieces for even cooking. Don't overcrowd the pan while frying to achieve a nice sear. Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-bites-zesty-juicy-easy-recipe/