Basil Chicken Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6g green tea bbq seasonings
• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

• Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly.
• In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). This will serve as the marinade for the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken:

• Place the chicken cubes in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to soak in.

Prepare the Chicken Bites:

• After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Lightly dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess flour.
• This step helps to create a nice crisp texture when cooking the chicken.

Cook the Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken cubes in a single layer.
• Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.

Add Basil and Final Seasoning:

• Once the chicken bites are golden and crispy, reduce the heat to low. Add the finely chopped fresh basil to the pan and toss the chicken in the basil, allowing it to wilt slightly.
• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you prefer a little extra flavor, you can also add a bit more lemon juice or zest at this stage.

Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the basil chicken bites from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest for an added burst of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your Basil Chicken Bites as an appetizer, snack, or a main course.
• These tasty chicken bites pair wonderfully with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• For extra zest, serve with a side of homemade dipping sauce like tzatziki, garlic aioli, or a balsamic glaze.

Optional Tips:

• For Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier texture, you can dip the chicken in an egg wash before dredging it in flour.
• Add Heat: If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili to the marinade.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or paneer for a delicious vegetarian variation.
• Enjoy your Basil Chicken Bites, a delightful combination of savory, aromatic basil with crispy chicken, making it the perfect dish to impress family and friends. These tender, flavorful bites are full of herbs and zest, perfect for any occasion.