Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine – A Flavorful One-Pan Meal
There’s nothing quite like the comforting combination of tender chicken bites drenched in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce paired with a perfectly seasoned parmesan linguine. This dish is the perfect balance of zesty citrus, fragrant garlic, and velvety butter, creating a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick yet flavorful weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal to impress guests, this recipe delivers in every way.
With its simple preparation and restaurant-quality taste, this lemon garlic butter chicken bites recipe with parmesan linguine is a must-try. The juicy, pan-seared chicken absorbs the bold flavors of lemon and herbs, while the linguine brings a creamy, cheesy element that ties everything together. Plus, it’s made in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect harmony of tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich buttery goodness.
- Texture: Juicy and tender chicken pieces complemented by smooth, velvety linguine with a light chew.
- Aroma: Inviting scents of sautéed garlic, fresh citrus, and melted parmesan create an irresistible dish.
- Visual Appeal: Golden brown seared chicken bites resting on a bed of creamy parmesan-coated linguine.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with basic sautéing and pasta-cooking techniques.
- Special Equipment: A large skillet, pasta pot, and tongs for easy handling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a wonderful blend of classic flavors in the easiest preparation possible. The chicken bites cook quickly, developing a slightly crispy golden exterior while staying moist and tender inside. When tossed with a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce and fresh lemon juice, the result is nothing short of mouthwatering.
Not only is this lemon garlic butter chicken bites recipe flavorful, but it’s also incredibly convenient. Everything is cooked in one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights. From stovetop to plate in under 40 minutes, this dish provides maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Parmesan linguine adds a sophisticated yet simple touch, making it a well-balanced meal with satisfying textures. The umami depth from freshly grated parmesan complements the light citrus and buttery goodness, creating a restaurant-worthy dish right at home.
If you love entertaining, this recipe is perfect! It’s an easy way to serve an elegant meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade, and you’re set for a delicious dining experience.
Best of all, this dish is budget-friendly! Using accessible pantry staples like pasta, garlic, butter, and lemon, you can recreate a gourmet-quality meal without breaking the bank. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and proven techniques make this a winner every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken – Keep an eye on the heat and remove chicken as soon as it’s golden and cooked through.
- Not deglazing the pan – This ensures all the flavorful bits are incorporated into the sauce.
- Using pre-grated parmesan – Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the flavor.
- Skipping the lemon – The acid balances the richness of the butter for the perfect bite.
- Overcooking the pasta – Cook linguine to al dente to maintain texture.
The Recipe
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Large pot for pasta
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Grater for parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz linguine
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze by adding lemon juice and stirring to incorporate the flavorful bits from the pan.
- Add cooked chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss in the cooked linguine, parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Swap linguine for fettuccine or spaghetti based on preference.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
