I made these flavorful spicy garlic chicken bites last week using chicken breast, some dried herbs, spices and of course, that amazing aphrodisiac garlic. Mmmmmm garlic!!! If that last one hasn’t convinced you yet…Know that this easy meal prep chicken recipe comes together in around 20 minutes and is the perfect high-protein addition to Mediterranean dinners, healthy bowls, wraps and salads.
At least that’s how I used them. I added them to my high-protein avocado chicken salad, to my favorite roasted veggie chicken bowls and last but not least – to these black bean avocado chicken bowls. Yes, I feel very resourceful and productive if you can’t tell. That was a good, healthy week! Here’s what you need to make them as well:
Spicy Garlic Chicken Bites Ingredients
- cubed chicken breast
- paprika
- crushed red pepper (that’s the spicy part)
- olive oil
- dried oregano
- cumin
- lemon juice
- salt and pepper
As you can see, we’re using super simple ingredients that you probably already have.
How To Make The Spicy Garlic Chicken Bites
I did something different from what I usually do with chicken. Usually, I’d just stir the chicken bites for 7-10 minutes at medium-high heat, but I wanted the meat to be super tender. And I wanted it to be done, I do not love raw or rare meat, especially chicken.
So after starting things off at medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, I reduced the heat to low, covered the pan with a lid and let it cook for 10 minutes. Cooking at low temperature for longer will make the meat super tender.
Here’s the step-by-step:
1. Mix the chicken bites with garlic, paprika, crushed red pepper, oregano, cumin, olive oil, lemon juice, a few pinches of salt and pepper.
2. Use a larger skillet to cook – you want to have space and not overcrowd. Add a little bit of olive oil and then the chicken at medium-high heat, stirring for 3-4 minutes.
3. Then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low – allowing the chicken to simmer.
4. Once the 10 minutes are up, uncover and turn the heat back up and stir occasionally for another 2-3 minutes (if needed, add a little bit of olive oil).
5. Turn the heat off and serve as is or with some freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley.
Meal Prep protein for Mediterranean Recipes
You can use these garlic chicken bites to add more flavor and protein to Mediterranean meals like salads, bowls, and of course wraps. These fit the Mediterranean diet perfectly, as we’re using lemon juice, spices and olive oil. No need to deep fry or add sugar or heavy sauces here.
How To Store And Serve
Once you’re done with the meal prep for these garlic chicken bites, place them into an airtight food container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
I usually like to reheat mine in the oven for about 5 minutes, but you can also do it in a pan with a tbsp or so of water. You can even have them cold, if you’re eating them in a salad. I personally prefer them reheated.
They will go perfectly with hummus, tzatziki, tomato cucumber salad or this lettuce salad. Here are some examples or recipes I’d use them in:
- Roasted Vegetable Chicken Bowls
- Mediterranean Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- High-Protein Chicken Salad With Avocado
- Mediterranean Chicken Wraps
- Healthy Fall Chicken Salad
- 20-Minute Gyros Bowls
Here’s the printable recipe, so that you can print and frame it. Hope you enjoy them!
Spicy Garlic Chicken Bites
These irresistible, spicy garlic chicken bites are the ultimate Mediterranean meal prep protein. Ready in just 20 minutes, they are high-protein and low-carb perfect for upgrading your weeknight dinners, healthy bowls, salads, and wraps.
Ingredients
- 1 pound/ 450g chicken breast, in bite-sized pieces
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Mix the chicken bites with garlic, paprika, crushed red pepper, oregano, cumin, olive oil, lemon juice, a few pinches of salt and pepper.
- Use a larger skillet to cook - you want to have space and not overcrowd. Add a little bit of olive oil and then the chicken at medium-high heat, stirring for 3-4 minutes.
- Then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low - allowing the chicken to simmer.
- Once the 10 minutes are up, uncover and turn the heat back up and stir ofor another 5 minutes (if needed add a little bit of olive oil).
- Turn the heat off and serve as is or with some freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 272Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 106mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 28g
