Description
Greek Chicken Bites are flavorful, tender chicken pieces marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, then pan-seared to perfection with a savory white wine deglaze. This quick and easy dish brings the vibrant taste of Mediterranean cuisine to your table, perfect as a main course or a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 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 the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a plastic bag or container with a lid, pour the marinade over the chicken, and stir or massage the chicken to coat thoroughly. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes, preferably 2 to 24 hours for best flavor. If short on time, you can skip this step.
- Heat the skillet: Warm a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot; this typically takes a few minutes for cast iron or about 30 seconds to a minute for other materials.
- Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in an even layer. Cook without moving for about 5 minutes. Flip the pieces and cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F or is no longer pink inside.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine (or substitute) and use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the skillet, coating the chicken with the flavorful drippings. Continue cooking until the liquid mostly evaporates and the chicken is nicely coated.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Greek Chicken Bites warm, as a main dish or appetizer.
Notes
- If using a stainless steel or not well-seasoned cast iron skillet, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
- This marinade and cooking method work well with other proteins like chicken thighs, pork, steak tips, or shrimp; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- For substitutions, use 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice (omit zest), and 1 teaspoon garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
- Pre-mixed Greek seasoning or 1.5 tablespoons fresh oregano may be used instead of dried oregano for a fresher flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
