Bocconcini di Pollo al Limone (Italian Lemon Chicken Bites)
Bocconcini di Pollo al Limone
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- Lemon juicer (optional)
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons about 1/3 cup
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Method:
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Rinse and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. From my own personal experience, or based on my overall experience, this step ensures the chicken browns nicely without excess moisture.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, for even cooking.
- Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)
- If you have a bit of extra time, marinate the chicken pieces in a bit of lemon juice and olive oil for 15-20 minutes. This step is optional but can enhance the lemon flavor in each bite.
- Step 3: Heat the Skillet
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, from my experience, avoid burning the garlic as it can add bitterness.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and fully cooked inside.
- Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth.
- Pour this lemony mixture into the skillet with the chicken.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. The sauce will thicken a bit as it reduces, coating each piece of chicken in a light, tangy glaze.
- Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
- Serve immediately with your choice of side dish, like rice, salad, or pasta.
- Variations and Tips:
- Add a Creamy Twist: For a creamy version, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream after adding the lemon juice and chicken broth.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Dietary Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt.
Bocconcini di Pollo al Limone is a light and zesty Italian dish that combines tender chicken bites with a bright, lemony sauce. This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a simple yet delicious meal that feels like a treat. The lemon brings out the best in the chicken, making it flavorful without overpowering. Let me show you how I make my own Bocconcini di Pollo al Limone so you can enjoy this Italian classic at home.
What to Expect:
This dish is bright and full of flavor without being overly rich, thanks to the fresh lemon juice and zest. The sauce lightly coats each chicken piece, offering a balance of tanginess and savoriness. From my experience, the texture should be tender with a hint of zest, making each bite refreshing.
Recipe Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~280 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish
Equipment Needed:
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- Lemon juicer (optional)
- Tongs or spatula
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Bocconcini di Pollo al Limone now.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/3 cup)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Bocconcini di Pollo al Limone now.
Method:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Rinse and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. From my own personal experience, or based on my overall experience, this step ensures the chicken browns nicely without excess moisture.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, for even cooking.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)
- If you have a bit of extra time, marinate the chicken pieces in a bit of lemon juice and olive oil for 15-20 minutes. This step is optional but can enhance the lemon flavor in each bite.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, from my experience, avoid burning the garlic as it can add bitterness.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and fully cooked inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth.
- Pour this lemony mixture into the skillet with the chicken.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. The sauce will thicken a bit as it reduces, coating each piece of chicken in a light, tangy glaze.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
- Serve immediately with your choice of side dish, like rice, salad, or pasta.
Variations and Tips:
- Add a Creamy Twist: For a creamy version, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream after adding the lemon juice and chicken broth.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Dietary Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Bocconcini di Pollo al Limone now.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
Closing Note:
I hope this guide has made Bocconcini di Pollo al Limone seem a little less daunting, and I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe before, or did you find this step-by-step helpful? Please, be honest and let me know in the comments below, I always enjoy feedback from real cooks like you, so feel free to share your thoughts!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>