Recipe Overview:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Carbs per serving: 0g
Calories per serving: 200
Protein per serving: 26g
Fat per serving: 11g
Ingredients:
This recipe uses simple, whole ingredients that not only contribute to the flavor but also align with your low-carb, keto-friendly diet.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
1 lemon ( juiced, plus zest for more flavor)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh herbs if preferred)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for a creamier texture)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Make sure the pieces are of uniform size to ensure they cook evenly. Place the chicken cubes into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the juice of 1 lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. To enhance the citrusy flavor, add the zest of the lemon as well. If you’re using red pepper flakes for a little extra heat, add them to the marinade. Stir everything together to combine
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado oil) to the marinade. The healthy fat from the olive oil will not only help the chicken stay juicy but also make it more flavorful. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer if possible—up to 30 minutes) to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan for extra richness and flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, feel free to skip the butter and use just olive oil or avocado oil.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Bites
Once the pan is hot and the butter has melted, add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Let the chicken cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on all sides.
During cooking, spoon some of the leftover marinade over the chicken to keep it moist and infuse more flavor. If the chicken seems dry, add a little more oil or butter.
For a creamier texture, once the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat and add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream to the pan. Stir well to combine. The cream will thicken the sauce slightly and provide a luxurious, velvety coating for the chicken. This step is optional, but it adds richness to the dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken bites are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pan and place them on a serving platter. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve these Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites immediately. They can be enjoyed as a snack, served on top of a salad, or paired with your favorite keto-friendly side dishes like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact brands and types of ingredients used.
Calories: 200
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 480mg
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 26g
Net Carbs: 0g (Keto-Friendly
