Description
Greek Chicken Bites are flavorful, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, then pan-seared to juicy perfection and finished with a white wine glaze. This quick and easy recipe makes a perfect appetizer or main dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb. chicken breasts cut into 1 inch 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: Mix together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or glass measuring cup to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces in a plastic bag or container with a lid. Pour the marinade over the chicken and stir or massage to coat evenly. Allow it to marinate for at least 20 minutes, preferably 2 to 24 hours for better flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot—this might take a few minutes for cast iron or about 30 seconds to one minute for other materials.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces in an even layer to the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.
- Deglaze and Finish: Pour in the white wine, using a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan, coating the chicken in the drippings. Continue to sauté until most of the wine has evaporated, creating a flavorful glaze. Serve warm.
Notes
- If using stainless steel or an unseasoned cast iron skillet, add 1 additional tablespoon olive oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
- This marinade and cooking technique also works well with other proteins like chicken thighs, pork, steak tips, or shrimp; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Substitute 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar for lemon juice and omit zest if needed, and replace fresh minced garlic with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- You can use pre-mixed Greek seasoning or 1.5 tablespoons fresh oregano instead of dried oregano for a fresher flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
