Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful snack or appetizer that combines the zing of lemon with the boldness of black pepper. These golden, crunchy bites are perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (or use cooking spray for baking)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with lemon pepper seasoning until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Step 3: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the chicken bites until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy.
- Step 4: Remove from oil or oven and drain on paper towels if fried. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and a little garlic before seasoning and coating.
- Swap all-purpose flour for cornstarch to achieve an even crispier texture.
- Serve with a dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for added taste.
Storage
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a single layer in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast or thighs for this recipe?
Yes, both chicken breast and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier while breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster.
Is it necessary to fry the chicken bites?
No, baking is a healthier alternative that still yields crispy results, especially if you use a wire rack to allow air circulation during cooking.
PrintCrispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites Recipe
Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring tender chicken pieces coated in lemon pepper seasoning and flour, then cooked to a golden, crispy perfection. Perfect for serving hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes frying / 25 minutes baking
- Total Time: 25 minutes frying / 35 minutes baking
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasoning and Coating
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
Cooking
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Season and Coat: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with lemon pepper seasoning and a pinch of salt. Then, dredge the chicken pieces thoroughly in all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: For frying, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the coated chicken bites in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the chicken bites from heat and serve hot, optionally with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Notes
- You can adjust the lemon pepper seasoning amount based on your taste preference.
- For a healthier option, baking is recommended instead of frying.
- Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serve as a snack or appetizer with ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite dip.
Keywords: Lemon Pepper Chicken, Crispy Chicken Bites, Chicken Appetizer, Fried Chicken Bites, Easy Chicken Snack
