Description
This sautéed chicken recipe is infused with bright lemon and garlic flavors, perfect for serving over rice, salad, or in pita wraps.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or more olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken bites with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Let it sit while you heat your pan—this gives the spices a moment to cling to the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat both olive oil and avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed. Let them sear for 3-4 minutes on one side before flipping.
- Add the Garlic: When the chicken is nearly cooked through and golden on the edges, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it should smell nutty, not bitter.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Turn off the heat and immediately add the fresh lemon juice and zest. The pan will sizzle as the citrus hits the chicken, infusing it with bright, tangy flavor. Toss well to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot over rice, salad, or in pita wraps with your favorite sauce.
Notes
- Let the chicken marinate with the spices for at least 20 minutes for deeper flavor.
- For added flavor, use lemon slices during the cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg