Recipe Overview
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🍳 Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- ⏲️ Total Time: 30 minutes
- 💲 Cost per Serving: Approx. $6.86
- 🔥 Calorie Count per Serving: 220 kcal
- Introduction
When you’re looking for a quick yet flavorful low-carb meal, Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites is your go-to recipe. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated and seared to perfection, then infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a zesty, mouth-watering dish. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or when you want something light yet satisfying. Plus, it pairs beautifully with low-carb sides like Keto Zucchini Chips or a refreshing Cesar Salad.
This dish is also packed with protein, making it an ideal meal for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Each serving has less than 5g of carbs, making it perfect for a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
- Packed with Flavor: Fresh lemon and garlic are the stars here, creating a vibrant and zesty flavor profile.
- Versatile: Serve this chicken with a variety of sides like Buffalo Cauliflower Bites or Cauliflower Hash Browns to keep things fresh and exciting.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for the best flavor,
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
🍴 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chiken
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and oregano. Massage the seasonings into the meat for better absorption.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the pan. Let them sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For an even sear, make sure the pan isn’t overcrowded. Use a high-quality stainless steel skillet like this one for the best results.
3. Add Garlic and lemon
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Squeeze the lemon juice directly into the skillet, followed by the lemon zest. Stir well to coat the chicken.
Tip: Use a lemon squeezer to easily extract the juice without the seeds falling into your pan.
4. Simmer and Finish
Let the chicken simmer in the lemon garlic sauce for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F). Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
🍽 What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken 🍽
Lemon Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of low-carb sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- Keto Zucchini Chips: Crispy and crunchy, these chips make the perfect light side.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Add some greens to your plate with this easy roasted veggie side.
- Cauliflower Fried Rice: A low-carb, veggie-packed alternative to traditional rice.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: For a little kick of spice, try these crispy cauliflower bites as a side or appetizer.
oasted Potatoes pair perfectly with grilled chicken breasts marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs. The zesty chicken balances the richness of the potatoes, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Why This Side Dish is So Popular
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes have become a go-to side dish because they’re so simple to make and pair with almost any main course. The combination of crispy potatoes with savory garlic and Parmesan creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, with a total cost of $1.50 per serving, this dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a gourmet-tasting meal without spending a fortune.
🧮 Calorie Count Per Serving:
The nutritional information is calculated based on using 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
This breakdown makes this dish ideal for a low-carb or ketogenic diet, as it contains only 3 grams of carbs and is packed with 25 grams of protein.
💰 Cost Breakdown:
The cost is calculated based on average U.S. grocery prices for each ingredient. These values might vary depending on location and where you shop.
- Chicken Thighs (4): $5
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): $0.50
- Garlic (4 cloves): $0.30
- Lemon (1): $0.75
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): $0.10
- Salt & Pepper: $0.05
- Fresh Parsley: $0.20
Total Estimated Cost: $6.90 for the entire dish, or $1.73 per serving (assuming 4 servings).
🧐 FAQ Section-Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Premium Olive Oil: For the perfect sauté, high-quality olive oil makes all the difference.
- Garlic Press: Save time with this efficient garlic press, a must-have for any kitchen.
- Stainless Steel Skillet: Ensure an even sear and easy cleanup with this durable, high-quality skillet.
🧐 FAQ Section-Lemon Garlic Chicken
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, breasts tend to cook faster, so be careful not to overcook them. You might need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes to avoid dryness.Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Definitely! This dish reheats well. You can prepare the chicken and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to retain the crispy texture.Q: What other herbs can I use?
A: Fresh thyme or rosemary would also pair beautifully with the lemon and garlic in this recipe. Try experimenting with different herbs based on your preferences!