Description
Greek Chicken Bites are flavorful, juicy chicken pieces marinated in a zesty lemon-oregano mixture and pan-seared to perfection. This quick and easy recipe delivers a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for a main course or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb. chicken breasts cut into 1″ pieces (about 2 breasts)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- zest of 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
- 2 cloves garlic minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth (or water in a pinch)
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice and zest from 1 lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix well.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces into a plastic bag or container with a lid. Pour the marinade over the chicken and stir or massage the bag to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or preferably 2 to 24 hours for more flavor. (This step can be skipped if short on time.)
- Heat the skillet: Warm a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, which may take a few minutes for cast iron or about 30 seconds for other materials.
- Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in an even layer. Let them cook without moving for about 5 minutes until golden on one side. Flip the pieces and cook for another 5 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or no pink inside).
- Deglaze the pan: Pour 1/4 cup white wine into the skillet and use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Continue sautéing until the wine mostly evaporates and chicken is coated in the flavorful drippings.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- If using a stainless steel or unseasoned cast iron skillet, add 1 extra tablespoon of olive oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs, pork, steak tips, or shrimp for chicken breasts, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- For substitutions, use 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice (omit zest), and 1 teaspoon garlic powder in place of fresh garlic.
- Pre-mixed Greek seasoning or 1.5 tablespoons fresh oregano can be used instead of dried oregano.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
