Description
Juicy, tender grilled chicken bites marinated in a Mediterranean-inspired blend of garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika. These bite-sized pieces cook in just 10 minutes and deliver bold flavor with minimal effort perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Wooden or metal skewers (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces and pat completely dry with paper towels.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and dried oregano.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate up to overnight for deeper flavor).
4. Remove chicken from the fridge 10 minutes before grilling. Pat slightly dry to remove excess marinade.
5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Oil the grates well.
6. Thread chicken onto skewers or place directly on grill grates, leaving space between pieces.
7. Grill for 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken has charred edges.
8. Remove from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Notes
For extra juicy results, use chicken thighs instead of breast meat.
Don’t skip the resting step it keeps the chicken moist and tender.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of broth over medium-low heat.
Customize the marinade: try Korean gochujang, Italian herbs, or Mexican lime and cumin variations.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 6-8 bites)
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: grilled chicken bites, chicken skewers, easy chicken recipe, marinated chicken, weeknight dinner, meal prep chicken, Mediterranean chicken