Description
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
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)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- 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
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with a little oil.
- Place the marinated chicken bites on the grill, leaving space between each piece.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually mix in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and parsley. Simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Arrange the grilled chicken bites on a serving plate.
- Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top, or serve it on the side as a dip.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Marinate for maximum flavor: If possible, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour for deeper flavor.
- Alternative cooking method: If you don’t have a grill, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Make it keto-friendly: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Thicker sauce option: Let the sauce simmer longer or add a little extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of the recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg