As soon as you pop one of these vibrant Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites into your mouth, flavors of the Greek Isles will transport you away to a seaside taverna. The crispy panko coating gives way to juicy bursts of chicken steeped in fragrant herbs, lemon, and garlic. One bite and you’ll swear you’re dining al fresco with a view of glittering blue waters rather than simply standing in your own kitchen!
I first tasted chicken prepared this exquisitely simple way while honeymooning in Santorini. Each evening as the sun set over the caldera bathing the whitewashed buildings in a glow of pink, my husband and I would meander hand in hand down steep cobblestone paths to the harbor restaurants. There we’d feast on local specialties like these zesty chicken bites bursting with Mediterranean essence, paired with chilled white wine made from the island’s unique grapes.
Now back home, I’ve happily discovered I can recreate the magic of those Greek Isles chicken bites easily in my own oven thanks to a few key tips. Dicing boneless thighs instead of breasts guarantees even more succulent, flavorful meat that stays moist when baked. Letting the pieces marinate briefly in lemon, oregano and garlic allows the seasonings to permeate each morsel. And rolling the nuggets first in beaten egg, then crisp panko breadcrumbs, ensures a delicate crunch encasing the tender chicken.
Served straight from the oven alongside cool, tangy tzatziki sauce for dipping, these chicken bites make the ideal fast appetizer or weeknight dinner. One bite transports me right back to that seaside taverna, sunshine on my shoulders and azure waters sparkling through the vines. I hope they’ll give you a taste of the Greek Isles right from your own kitchen too! Opaaa!
Let’s start with the FAQs:
Why chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs have a richer, meatier flavor compared to white breast meat. They stay incredibly moist and tender during cooking thanks to naturally higher fat content. Using bone-in thighs adds even more moisture, flavor, and succulence.
Do I need breadcrumbs?
Nope, no need for breadcrumbs! Just egg and panko delivers the perfect crispy coating. The beaten egg helps the seasoned panko adhere beautifully.
How long will they keep?
Properly stored in an airtight container, these zesty bites will stay fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. The lemon juice acts as a natural preservative.
What’s the sauce made of?
The tangy, cooling dipping sauce couldn’t be simpler. Just Greek yogurt blended with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. It’s the ideal complement to the crispy chicken.
Should I skewer them?
Absolutely! Serving these bites on frilly toothpicks or small skewers makes them perfect single-bite appetizers for passing at parties. It also makes them easy finger food.
Let’s get ready to sink our teeth into tasty chicken:
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 18 mins
Total Time: 33 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced small
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp pepper For Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Accumulate the boneless chicken thighs within a capacious mixing bowl. Introduce 3 cracked eggs, olive oil, crushed garlic, freshly grated lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss combination thoroughly until the chicken is comprehensively coated in the wet mixture.
- Situate panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish for dredging. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Utilizing tongs, lift each chicken piece from the mixing bowl, allowing excess egg to drip off. Coat each piece completely in the panko crumbs. Organize chicken pieces in a single layer atop the lined baking sheet.
- Insert baking sheet on the middle rack of a 425°F oven. Roast for 15 minutes, then gently flip each piece. Continue baking approximately 3-5 additional minutes or until chicken morsels become golden brown and crispy.
- As chicken bites bake, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley till well incorporated.
- Transfer baked chicken bites to a platter and serve immediately with lemon yogurt sauce alongside for dipping. Garnish bites with fresh parsley. Pass additional sauce at the table.
Cooking tips:
- Metal or bamboo skewers make serving easy!
- Swap in rosemary, basil or thyme for the oregano.
- Serve as an appetizer or quick weeknight meal!
