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Crispy Garlic Chicken Bites with Asparagus and Lemon Recipe

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3.9 from 7 reviews

Crispy Garlic Chicken Bites feature tender boneless chicken breast pieces cooked to golden perfection in ghee, infused with aromatic garlic, and served alongside steamed asparagus with a fresh lemon finish. This quick and flavorful skillet dish combines crisp textures and vibrant flavors for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 1/2 – 2 lbs boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables & Broth

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 lbs asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and evenly season them with Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Set aside while you prepare for cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken for Crispiness: Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a cast iron or deep skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add half of the chicken pieces and leave them undisturbed for about 1 minute to develop a crispy crust on one side. Stir and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until all sides are crispy. Remove these cooked chicken bites to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken and ghee to ensure even crisping without overcrowding the pan.
  3. Cook Garlic and Deglaze the Pan: Return the first batch of chicken to the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee along with the minced garlic. Stir and cook the garlic gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt. Then transfer all the chicken bites to the paper towel-lined plate again to make space for the next step.
  4. Steam the Asparagus: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (deglazing). Add the asparagus pieces along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid. Steam the asparagus over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Finish the Dish: Remove the lid and add the crispy chicken bites back into the skillet with the asparagus. Toss gently and finish with an additional squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken to ensure crispiness.
  • Using ghee or coconut oil adds a rich flavor and promotes browning.
  • Steaming the asparagus briefly keeps it tender yet crisp.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of rice or crusty bread.
  • For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/crispy-garlic-chicken-bites-with-asparagus-and-lemon-recipe/