Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make snack or appetizer. With a zesty lemon pepper seasoning and a crunchy coating, these bite-sized pieces are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the lemon pepper seasoning until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour or cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Step 3: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Step 4: Fry the chicken bites in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch.
- Step 5: Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by dipping in a beaten egg before coating with flour or cornstarch.
- Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the seasoning for more depth of flavor.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, crispier coating.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard for added flavor.
Storage
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken bites instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, but frying gives a crispier result.
What can I use if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
You can mix lemon zest with black pepper and a pinch of salt as a simple substitute.
PrintCrispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites Recipe
Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful appetizer or snack made by coating tender chicken breast pieces in lemon pepper seasoning and frying them to golden perfection. This easy recipe delivers a delightful crunch with a zesty lemon pepper kick, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasoning and Coating
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch
Frying
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp coating.
- Season the chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with lemon pepper seasoning until evenly coated, allowing the flavor to infuse.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each piece of seasoned chicken in flour or cornstarch, shaking off any excess to create a thin, even layer for frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of coating sizzles and rises to the surface.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and serve: Remove the chicken bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve hot for best crunch and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use cornstarch instead of flour for the coating.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough to prevent greasy chicken bites.
- You can adjust the lemon pepper seasoning amount based on your taste preference.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli for added flavor.
Keywords: Lemon pepper chicken, crispy chicken bites, fried chicken, appetizer, snack
