Welcome to our culinary corner! Today, we’re featuring a delectable and low-point recipe for Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites. This dish combines the bright flavors of lemon and the robust taste of garlic, resulting in a flavorful yet light meal that perfectly fits within your Weight Watchers (WW) plan. Follow our comprehensive guide to create this tasty recipe, complete with measurements, detailed instructions, and nutritional information.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for intense garlic flavor)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (for tanginess)
- Zest of 1 large lemon (for additional lemon flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for a Mediterranean touch)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for earthy notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For Serving (Optional):
- Lemon wedges (for extra zest)
- Fresh vegetables or a simple salad (for a complete meal)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Step 1: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mince 3 cloves of garlic and zest 1 large lemon. Juice the lemon and set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until all the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
3. Heat the Oil:
- Step 4: In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Olive oil is used for its healthy fat content and ability to add a crisp texture to the chicken bites.
4. Cook the Chicken Bites:
- Step 5: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Step 6: Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
5. Finish Cooking:
- Step 7: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step helps reduce excess fat and keeps the chicken bites light.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Step 8: Garnish the chicken bites with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
- Step 9: Accompany with fresh vegetables or a simple salad to create a complete meal.
7. Store Leftovers:
- Step 10: Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (4 ounces of chicken bites):
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
