If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and restaurant-quality meal, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine recipe is just what you need! Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites are seared to perfection in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, then served over perfectly cooked linguine tossed with Parmesan cheese.
This dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or even special occasions. The combination of zesty lemon, creamy butter, and bold garlic creates an irresistible sauce that coats every bite beautifully. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔ Bursting with Flavor – Tangy lemon, rich butter, and savory Parmesan.
✔ One-Pan Chicken – Less mess, more flavor!
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Enjoy leftovers the next day.
✔ Crowd-Pleaser – A dish the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Parmesan Linguine:
- 8 oz (225g) linguine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic, and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Linguine
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the cooked linguine, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
- Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Plate the Parmesan linguine and top with the buttery lemon garlic chicken bites.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
✔ Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh lemon juice and garlic make a difference!
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – This ensures crispy, golden chicken.
✔ Adjust Heat Level – Add more red pepper flakes for extra spice.
✔ Save Some Pasta Water – It helps create a creamy sauce for the linguine.
✔ Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Bites – They have more flavor than chicken breasts.
Serving Suggestions
🍷 Wine Pairing: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon butter sauce.
🥗 Side Dish: Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
🥖 Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Yes! This dish works well with fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Swap butter for olive oil and use dairy-free Parmesan.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Just warm it in the butter sauce before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With tender chicken, zesty lemon butter sauce, and cheesy pasta, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!
Try it today and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal in just 30 minutes! 🍋
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