Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Contents show

1 Ingredients

1.1 For the Grilled Chicken Bites:

1.2 For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

2 Step-by-Step Instructions

2.1 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

2.2 Step 2: Grill the Chicken

2.3 Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

2.4 Step 4: Assemble and Serve

3 Tips for Perfecting the Dish

4 Variations

4.1 1. Spicy Garlic Chicken Bites

4.2 2. Herb Butter Chicken Bites

4.3 3. Lemon-Garlic Chicken Bites

4.4 4. Dairy-Free Version

5 Conservation and Storag

5.1 Refrigeration

5.2 Freezing

5.3 Reheating

6 Serving Suggestions

7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

7.1 1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

7.2 2. How can I make the sauce lighter?

7.3 3. Can I cook the chicken in a skillet instead of grilling?

7.4 4. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese in the sauce?

7.5 5. How do I prevent the garlic sauce from curdling?

7.6 6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

7.7 7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

7.8 8. What can I serve with these chicken bites?

7.9 9. Can I make the sauce without dairy?

7.10 10. Can I add more spice to this recipe?

8 Conclusion

9 Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

9.1 Description

9.2 Ingredients

9.3 For the Grilled Chicken Bites:

9.4 For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

9.5 Instructions

9.6 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

9.7 Step 2: Grill the Chicken

9.8 Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

9.9 Step 4: Assemble and Serve

9.10 Equipment

9.11 Notes

9.12 Nutrition

9.13 Did you make this recipe?

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If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that bursts with flavor, these Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a must-try! The smoky, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the rich, velvety garlic sauce, making it an excellent option for family dinners, meal prep, or even as an appetizer for gatherings.

This dish is also highly versatile—you can serve it with rice, pasta, or fresh vegetables for a complete meal. Plus, the creamy garlic sauce is so good that you might find yourself using it on everything!

In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect grilled chicken bites, along with pro tips, variations, and storage advice to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken Bites:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

this RECIPE

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra flavor).

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

1. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with a little oil.
2. Place the marinated chicken bites on the grill, leaving space between each piece.
3. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
3. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Gradually mix in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and parsley. Simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Arrange the grilled chicken bites on a serving plate.
2. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top, or serve it on the side as a dip.
3. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for an elegant touch.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

1. Use fresh garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a bold, rich flavor that pre-minced garlic can’t replicate.
2. Don’t overcook the chicken – Chicken breast dries out quickly, so remove it from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Let the chicken rest – Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain moisture.
4. Whisk the sauce continuously – This prevents the Parmesan from clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
5. Adjust the sauce consistency – If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.

Variations

1. Spicy Garlic Chicken Bites

• Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Stir in a dash of hot sauce into the garlic sauce for extra heat.

2. Herb Butter Chicken Bites

• Replace oregano with a mix of fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• Use garlic herb butter instead of regular butter for the sauce.

3. Lemon-Garlic Chicken Bites

• Increase the lemon juice in the marinade to 2 tbsp for a zesty, refreshing twist.
• Add lemon zest to the garlic sauce for extra brightness.

4. Dairy-Free Version

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
• Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

Conservation and Storag

Refrigeration

• Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep the garlic sauce in a separate container to prevent the chicken from getting soggy.

Freezing

• The grilled chicken bites freeze well! Store in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
• The garlic sauce, however, doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content—it’s best made fresh.

Reheating

• Chicken Bites: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or in the microwave for 1 minute.
• Garlic Sauce: Reheat on low heat while whisking constantly. Add a splash of milk or water if needed.

Serving Suggestions

These grilled chicken bites with creamy garlic sauce pair well with a variety of sides:

1. Rice or Quinoa – The creamy sauce soaks beautifully into grains.
2. Pasta – Toss the chicken and sauce with fettuccine or penne for a full meal.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Serve alongside roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini.
4. Garlic Bread – Use crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce!
5. Salad – Pair with a crisp Caesar or Greek salad for a fresh contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook.

2. How can I make the sauce lighter?

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. You can also use low-fat milk, but the sauce may be thinner.

3. Can I cook the chicken in a skillet instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken bites for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.

4. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese in the sauce?

If you prefer a different cheese, try grated Pecorino Romano or cheddar. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

5. How do I prevent the garlic sauce from curdling?

To avoid curdling, keep the heat low when adding the cream and stir continuously. Also, ensure the Parmesan cheese melts gradually and evenly.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Grill the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and prepare the garlic sauce fresh for the best taste.

7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. The chicken lasts up to 3 days in the fridge and 2 months in the freezer. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for 2 days.

8. What can I serve with these chicken bites?

They pair well with rice, pasta, grilled vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

9. Can I make the sauce without dairy?

Yes! Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

10. Can I add more spice to this recipe?

Of course! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade or garlic sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions. The tender, smoky chicken combined with the rich, velvety garlic sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

With customizable variations, make-ahead options, and versatile serving ideas, this dish is a great addition to your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s sure to be a hit!

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out. Happy cooking!

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