Description
Succulent Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites dance with parmesan linguine, creating a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Juicy chicken morsels nestled in a silky sauce promise a quick, elegant dinner that delights the senses with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cube chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces, then generously season with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter, allowing it to melt and slightly bubble without burning.
- Carefully add seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet, creating a single layer to promote proper browning and prevent overcrowding.
- Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, developing a crispy exterior.
- Incorporate minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent burning and evenly distribute flavors.
- Deglaze the pan with fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance the sauce’s depth.
- Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking water, then toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Fold grated parmesan cheese into the warm pasta, creating a creamy texture and allowing the cheese to slightly melt.
- Transfer chicken bites onto the prepared linguine, ensuring an even distribution.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant color and fresh herbaceous note to the dish.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing the lemon garlic butter sauce to coat both chicken and pasta.
Notes
- Precisely cube chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Use high-quality butter and fresh garlic for maximum flavor depth and rich, aromatic results.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve perfect golden-brown searing without steaming the meat.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, allowing customization for mild or spicy palates.
- Reserve pasta water helps create silkier sauce if linguine seems dry after mixing with cheese and chicken.
- Choose fresh parmesan and grate directly for more intense, authentic cheese flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- Quick cooking prevents chicken from becoming tough, maintaining tender and juicy texture throughout the dish.
- Experiment with herb variations like basil or thyme to create personalized flavor profiles matching individual tastes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg