Keto Lemon and Garlic Chicken Bites are an easy and colorful dish while maintaining low-carb content. These small chicken pieces cook fast, absorb flavor easily, and pair well with nearly anything you want to offer on the side. This dish is perfect for preparing a quick meal prep. The combination of lemon and garlic gives the chicken a fresh flavor while keeping it light and easy to digest. This recipe is ideal for weekdays, for lunch, family gatherings, and dinners because it requires little preparation, uses simple ingredients such as butter, chicken, paprika, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and cooks quickly. The chicken remains soft, and the citrus cuts through the richness, making the dish not too heavy. You can pair these chicken bits with salads, grilled vegetables, cauliflower rice, or anything else that fits into your keto diet. We store cooked chicken for two months in the freezer.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATISTICAL OVERVIEW:
- Course: Main dish / Protein
- No. of Calories: 230 kcal
- Diet: Keto, Low Carb, Gluten-free
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Single portion size: 1 cup chicken bites
- Cooking mode: Stovetop sauté
- Total servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Total time: 22 minutes
TOOLS:
- Sharp knife
- Citrus juicer
- Bowl
- Frying pan or skillet
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cutting board
- Spatula or tongs
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- One tsp of lemon zest
- 1 tbsp of butter
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
- Half a tsp of black pepper
- 1 tbsp of chopped parsley
- Onion powder, 1/2 tsp.
- 1/2 tsp of paprika
- 1.5 lbs of boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp of lemon juice
INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR KETO SUBSTITUTION:
 GARLIC:
- Fresh garlic delivers the greatest amount of flavor. Use one teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
CHICKEN:
- Chicken breast works well because it remains lean and cooks rapidly. If you prefer more fat and taste, substitute chicken thighs. In addition, thighs are sensitive if you cook them for a long time.
LEMON JUICE:
- We use fresh lemon to balance the seasoning and give sharpness. Although it’s usually less acidic, bottled lemon juice can be useful in an emergency. Lime juice also works for a little different spin.
PAPRIKA & SEASONING:
- These seasonings help to provide color and deep flavor to the dish. If you like a smoky taste, smoked paprika is a great alternative.
BUTTER:
- The use of butter gives richness and helps the chicken gain a shiny surface. If you require lactose-free or prefer a deeper butter flavor, ghee is an excellent keto replacement.
OLIVE OIL:
- We use olive oil, which is high in healthy fats and enhances a ketogenic diet. If you prefer a neutral flavor, avocado oil is the best option. Coconut oil works nicely, too, with the fact that it provides some sweetness.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Fill a mixing dish with the chicken pieces.
- Garnish with black pepper, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and paprika.
- Combine completely.
- In a pan, warm the oil(olive) on a normal heat.
- Stirring continuously to cook the seasoned chicken for about five to eight minutes.
- Put the minced garlic and butter in the pan.
- Cook till aromatic, about a minute.
- Add the lemon zest and fill in the lemon juice.
- Leave the chicken to cook for another three to four minutes, or till the sauce becomes thick and covers the meat.
- Put it away from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Heat up and serve the lemon and chicken garlic bites warm.
TIPS:
- Include a little more lemon at the end for added sharpness.
- If you like to add spices, use some more red pepper flakes.
- To make sure a good browning, pat dry the chicken before seasoning.
- Add two more minutes to the cooking time if using chicken thighs.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
SALADS:
- Caesar
- Greek Cucumber
- Avocado Tomato Bowl
LIGHT PAIRINGS:
- Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Cheddar Chaffle Bites
SIDE DISHES:
- Lemon Herb Zoodles
- Creamed Spinach
- Garlic Butter Cauliflower Rice
SOUPS:
- Chicken Bone Broth
- Mushroom Parmesan
- Creamy Broccoli
STORAGE INFORMATION:
Refrigerate the chicken bites in a closed vessel after chilling. They warm up again well and retain their flavor.
REFRIGERATION:
- Place for three to four days. Heat it again on the stovetop. For a refreshing taste, use more lemon juice in a smaller quantity.
FREEZING:
- Store cooked chicken for 50-60 days. Defrost it for the whole night to remove the ice. When heated, the sauce returns to its original state, even though it may partially separate.
FAQs:
How can we make this dish non-dairy?
- You can use ghee or oil(olive) as a replacement for butter.
May I air-cook the chicken bites?
- Yes, you can air fry for ten to twelve minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193°C), flipping halfway continuously. After the dish has finished cooking, add the garlic and lemon.
Could I bake the chicken rather than pan-cooking it?
- Yes. Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204°C), then stir properly with garlic, butter, and lemon.
Will I make this recipe for meal prep?
- Yes, it warms up again perfectly and goes well with many keto sides.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Sodium: 360 mg
No. of calories: 230 kcal
Proteins: 25 g
Fiber: 0 g
Net carbs: 2 g
Fats: 13 g
Sugar: 1 g
One single portion: 1 cup chicken bites
Total carbs: 2 g
