If you’re searching for a dinner that’s almost guaranteed to become a household favorite, look no further than Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken is grilled to smoky perfection, then drizzled with an irresistibly velvety garlic sauce that’s brimming with flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for a gathering, and it offers that perfect balance of comfort and a little dash of excitement. Let’s bring a fresh spark to your dinner table with this crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple with everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. Every one is chosen for the way it boosts the taste, texture, or even the visual appeal of your Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for juicy, easy-to-eat bites that soak up all the seasonings.
- Olive oil: Helps the spices stick, adds beautiful char, and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- Paprika: Brings a warm color and mild sweet smokiness that takes the chicken over the top.
- Garlic powder: Infuses each bite with savory depth and layers of garlicky goodness.
- Onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and balance in the marinade.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste for the best flavor with every bite.
- Butter (for the sauce): Starts things off rich and creamy for that luscious sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Four cloves bring bold aroma and plenty of hero flavor to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce, creating that classic, smooth texture.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory, slightly salty background that elevates the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Ensures your garlic sauce is deliciously rich and silky.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right in for nutty, cheesy notes in every drizzle.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of green and fresh flavor right at the end.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken Bites
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Massaging the seasoning in helps ensure each piece is loaded with flavor, and the olive oil gives everything a gorgeous sheen. Let the chicken rest while you preheat your grill or grill pan—this gives the seasonings time to mingle.
Step 2: Preheat and Grill the Chicken
Set your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once nice and hot, add your chicken bites in a single layer. Grill the pieces for 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once they get that golden color and tasty char. Don’t go far—the chicken cooks quickly, and you want it juicy inside with a little caramelized crispness outside. Transfer the grilled chicken bites to a platter and cover loosely to keep warm.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken grills, bring together the star of this recipe: the creamy garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until fragrant—it’s magic how that aroma fills your kitchen! Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, for another minute to form a golden roux. Very slowly whisk in the chicken broth and then the heavy cream, watching it all turn lusciously smooth. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. The sauce should be thick but pourable, with all the dreamy richness you’re craving.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Drizzle the warm, creamy garlic sauce over your grilled chicken bites (or serve it on the side for dipping—your choice!). Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a little brightness. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, and prepare for some seriously happy faces at the table!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
If you want to dress these up, a shower of fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of extra Parmesan really brings out the color and flavor. Lemon wedges on the side offer a bright squeeze that cuts through the creaminess wonderfully. Don’t be shy with the herbs—basil or chives also work if you’re feeling creative.
Side Dishes
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce play nicely with all kinds of sides. Enjoy them over fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that sauce, or pair with roasted veggies for a lighter touch. If you love pasta, serve the chicken and sauce over your favorite noodles for pure comfort food. Even a crisp green salad makes a refreshing contrast!
Creative Ways to Present
There’s no limit to how you can serve Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Make them the star of a party platter with toothpicks as appetizers, stack them on toasted baguette slices for a fun twist, or even fold them into warm tortillas for a garlicky chicken taco. No matter the style, let that creamy garlic sauce steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce (lucky you!), place the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers. The chicken keeps best in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the sauce stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Keeping them apart prevents the chicken from getting soggy and helps the sauce maintain its silky consistency.
Freezing
Freezing is possible—just cool everything completely first. Store the grilled chicken in a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. For the creamy garlic sauce, use a freezer-safe container, but know that cream sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. Frozen chicken and sauce will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To bring your Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce back to life, reheat the chicken gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Warm the sauce over low heat, whisking constantly and adding a little more cream if needed to smooth it out. Avoid microwaving the sauce at high power—gentle heat helps preserve its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as beautifully as breasts, and even stay super juicy on the grill. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as written.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for plant-based margarine, use unsweetened dairy-free cream, and choose a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The sauce will still be luxuriously creamy and perfect for drizzling.
How do I make the sauce gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend or a touch of cornstarch. The sauce will thicken just as nicely, keeping the dish safe for gluten-free friends and family.
Can I make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce in advance?
Sure! Grill the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day ahead. Store both separately in the fridge, and then gently reheat before serving so everything is at its best.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No worries! You can cook the chicken bites in a hot skillet or oven-bake them on a sheet pan. Just be sure to turn them so they get color on all sides—textures and flavors will still be deliciously satisfying.
Final Thoughts
With its juicy, charred bites and that truly memorable sauce, Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is one of those recipes you’ll want to revisit again and again. Whether you serve it for family, friends, or just a cozy night in, it delivers pure comfort and serious flavor with very little fuss. Give it a try—I bet it’ll be a new favorite at your table!
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Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender grilled chicken bites seasoned with flavorful spices, served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken bites for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and charred.
- Make Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, add chicken broth and cream, simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan, season, and serve.
Notes
- Chicken bites are versatile and can be served over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- For a spicier version, consider adding crushed red pepper to the sauce or marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
