You know that moment when you’re craving something both zesty and comforting? That’s where these Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites come in, like a culinary hug with a twist of lemon. It’s like when Taylor Swift drops a surprise album—unexpected, but absolutely necessary. This dish will have you licking the creamy sauce off your plate and wondering why you haven’t been making this your whole life.
Steps
- Gather all the necessary ingredients before starting the cooking process to ensure a smooth preparation.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot butter. Cook by flipping frequently until the chicken is browned, around 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of garlic powder over the chicken and let it cook for 2 minutes. Flip the chicken over, add the remaining garlic powder, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour lemon juice over each side of the chicken and continue cooking until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, which should take an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) using an instant-read thermometer.
- Once done, serve the chicken while hot and enjoy the flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, or to taste
- 1 ½ teaspoons of ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, divided
- Juice from 1 lemon
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 642 | Total Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 255mg | Sodium: 3825mg | Total Carbohydrate: 15g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Total Sugars: 3g | Protein: 75g | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 3mg | Potassium: 813mg
FAQ
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook through compared to boneless chicken breasts. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
- Is fresh garlic a good substitute for garlic powder?
- Absolutely, you can use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Minced fresh garlic will provide a more robust flavor. Use about 2-3 cloves for substituting the garlic powder in this recipe.
- Can I add other herbs or spices to this dish?
- Certainly! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. A dash of paprika or red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick.
- What side dishes pair well with lemon garlic chicken?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a light pasta. It also goes well with quinoa or rice for a more filling meal.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven before serving to maintain its flavor and texture.
Tips
- To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding some fresh lemon zest or finishing the dish with lemon slices for a more vibrant taste.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor. Simply mince a couple of cloves and add them to the skillet.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, like Chardonnay, after cooking the chicken, and let it reduce slightly.
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning and cooking. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy.
Equipment
- Skillet (if you don’t have a suitable one already)
- Instant-read thermometer (to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature)
