Description
Greek Chicken Bites are flavorful, juicy chicken pieces marinated in a zesty lemon-oregano mix and pan-seared to perfection. This quick and easy dish features tender chicken breasts infused with classic Greek flavors, ideal for a delicious main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 1 lb. chicken breasts cut into 1″ pieces (about 2 breasts)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- juice and zest of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
- 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
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice and zest of 1 lemon, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the cut chicken breast pieces into a plastic bag or container with a lid. Pour the marinade over the chicken and stir or massage to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, preferably 2 to 24 hours for more flavor. If short on time, marinating can be skipped.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot—this may take a few minutes if using cast iron or about 30 seconds to a minute if using another type of pan.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, spreading them in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the chicken sears and releases easily from the pan. Flip the pieces and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side, or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F and no pink in the center.
- Deglaze and Finish: Pour in 1/4 cup white wine and use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the skillet bottom. Continue cooking and stirring until most of the wine evaporates, and the chicken is coated in the flavorful pan juices. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If using a stainless steel or a cast iron skillet that isn’t well seasoned, add 1 more tablespoon of olive oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
- The marinade works well with other proteins like chicken thighs, pork, steak tips, or shrimp; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Ingredient substitutions: 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar can replace lemon juice (omit zest), and 1 teaspoon garlic powder can substitute fresh garlic.
- Use 1.5 tablespoons fresh oregano or pre-mixed Greek seasoning instead of dried oregano for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
