Crispy Lemon Butter Chicken Bites
Golden, crispy chicken bites tossed in a rich lemon butter sauce. This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and is perfect for dinner parties or a quick family meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, balances the acidity)
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg.
- Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Heat about 1–2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches for about 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
- Add the crispy chicken bites to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over white rice
- Pair with roasted vegetables
- Enjoy as an appetizer with a dipping sauce
Tip: For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of frying.