Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of mouthwatering Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites. We’ll break down each step to ensure even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by rinsing your chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a crispy coating, as excess moisture will hinder browning. Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch to 1.5-inch cubes. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Smaller pieces will cook faster and crisp up more, but don’t make them too small, or they might dry out.

Step 2: Set up the Breading Stations

1. Dry Breading Station: In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This flavorful blend is what will give our chicken bites their signature taste and crispy texture.
2. Wet Breading Station: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. The egg wash will help the dry breading adhere to the chicken and create a golden-brown crust during frying.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Bites

1. First Dip (Dry): Take a piece of chicken and dredge it in the dry flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Use your fingers to press the flour mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere. Shake off any excess flour. This first layer of dry breading helps the egg wash stick to the chicken.
2. Second Dip (Wet): Dip the floured chicken piece into the egg wash, making sure it’s completely submerged. Let any excess egg wash drip off.
3. Third Dip (Dry): Return the chicken to the dry flour mixture and coat it again, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well. This double coating is key to achieving that extra crispy crust. Make sure every piece is evenly coated.
4. Repeat: Repeat this breading process for all the chicken pieces. As you bread the chicken, place the breaded bites on a clean plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking and makes for easier transfer to the hot oil.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Bites

1. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil (or canola oil) into a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches a depth of about 3-4 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will brown too quickly before the inside is cooked through.
2. Fry in Batches: Carefully add the breaded chicken bites to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches of about 6-8 pieces at a time, depending on the size of your pot.
3. Fry Until Golden Brown and Cooked Through: Fry the chicken bites for about 4-6 minutes per batch, turning them occasionally to ensure even browning. They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove and Drain: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the fried chicken bites from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. The wire rack helps to keep the chicken crispy by allowing air to circulate underneath.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Season (Optional): If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra lemon pepper seasoning or a pinch of salt over the hot chicken bites immediately after frying for an extra flavor boost.
2. Serve Immediately: Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites are best served hot and fresh for maximum crispiness and flavor.
3. Garnish: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken just before serving. The fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a final zing.
4. Serve with Dipping Sauces (Optional): Serve with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a creamy lemon aioli are all excellent choices. (See “How to Serve” section for more dipping sauce ideas!)

Alternative Cooking Methods (Optional)

• Air Fryer: For a healthier option with less oil, you can air fry the chicken bites. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the breaded chicken bites lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Air frying will still give you a crispy result, though perhaps not quite as intensely crispy as deep frying.
• Baking: You can also bake the chicken bites, although they will be less crispy than fried or air-fried. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.