Few things rival the comfort and satisfaction of a plate piled high with Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Tender chunks of smoky, seasoned chicken are paired with a dreamy, garlicky sauce that’s rich without being heavy. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or whipping up a weeknight dinner the whole family will celebrate, this dish delivers savory flavor and luscious texture in every bite. The best part? It’s simple to prepare, packed with real ingredients, and looks downright impressive when served. Let’s dive right in and make your new favorite chicken recipe together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is all in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something essential, transforming familiar staples into a stand-out dish. From juicy chicken and pantry spices to that gloriously velvety sauce, every element has a purpose and place.
- Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless, and skinless for the perfect juicy bite and easy prep.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick while keeping the chicken moist as it grills.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the chicken’s natural flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle pop of heat and balances the richness of the sauce.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a deep, smoky aroma with a touch of warmth—a game-changer for grilled dishes.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with savory flavor, hinting at the sauce to come.
- Butter: The foundation of the creamy garlic sauce, bringing silkiness and depth.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: Four cloves for full-on garlic flavor—don’t be shy!
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to that dreamy, cling-to-every-bite consistency.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce super rich and decadent (sub with half-and-half for lighter sauce).
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and extra creaminess to your sauce.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): Brings a splash of color and herby freshness to garnish.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—aim for consistent size so they grill evenly. Toss them in a big bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Give everything a good mix with your hands or a spoon so each piece is coated with that savory mix of seasonings. You’ll notice the paprika coloring the chicken, promising a smoky flavor and beautiful finish.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer (avoid overcrowding the pan for the best grill marks). Grill for 4–5 minutes per side until the outside is golden and lightly charred, and the inside is perfectly juicy. These little bites cook quickly, so keep an eye out—nothing’s sadder than overcooked chicken! Once done, transfer to a plate and let them rest while you handle the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Grab a medium saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t burn—this is where the magic happens and that toasty garlic aroma fills your kitchen. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute; this helps to thicken the sauce while mellowing the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan, salt, and pepper, then stir until the sauce is smooth and beautifully thickened (about 3–5 minutes). You’ll see it become silky and just the right texture to coat each chicken bite.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Now comes the best part. Divide the hot grilled chicken bites onto plates or a serving platter, then generously drizzle (or smother!) them with the creamy garlic sauce. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Every bite is ultra-savory, perfectly seasoned, and drenched in garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh parsley takes Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce to the next level, adding color and an herby sparkle. For extra flair, try a squeeze of lemon or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving—both make the dish pop and keep it feeling bright and zesty.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken bites with steamed jasmine rice, a fluffy bed of buttery mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta to soak up every drop of that sauce. Roasted vegetables—think asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers—bring extra color and balance. You can even spoon the chicken and sauce onto toasted bread for a decadent, saucy open-faced sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce by serving them appetizer-style on skewers or nestled into lettuce cups for a lighter bite. Going for a party platter? Pop each bite onto mini-toothpicks and drizzle the sauce just before guests arrive—they’ll disappear in minutes! Or set up a build-your-own bowl station with rice, veggies, and extra toppings so everyone can customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to ensure the chicken stays juicy and the sauce remains creamy, not soggy.
Freezing
While the grilled chicken bites freeze very well, creamy sauces can sometimes change texture after thawing. If you want to freeze, store the grilled chicken on its own in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Whip up a fresh batch of the creamy garlic sauce when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken bites in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. For the sauce, warm it separately over low heat while whisking to restore the creamy consistency—add a touch of extra cream or milk if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderful for Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce. They’re often juicier and slightly more flavorful—just make sure to trim excess fat and cut into even pieces so they cook uniformly.
Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy garlic sauce?
Definitely! Swap the butter for a plant-based version, use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer in place of heavy cream, and look for a vegan Parmesan cheese. The sauce will still be rich and garlicky, just with a slightly different flavor.
Can I bake the chicken bites instead of grilling?
Yes! Arrange the seasoned chicken bites on a lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Finish under the broiler for a minute or two for a golden, smoky finish before adding the creamy garlic sauce.
How can I make the sauce lighter?
To lighten the sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly. You’ll still get a velvety texture and plenty of flavor without all the richness. Don’t skimp on the Parmesan—it gives the sauce its signature body and depth!
What’s the best way to scale this recipe for a crowd?
Multiply all ingredients as needed, and grill the chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan or grill. The sauce can be kept warm over low heat on the stove, so you can assemble everything just before serving your big group.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s easy enough for busy nights yet special enough to impress, Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce has your name on it. There’s something about that smoky chicken and rich garlic sauce combo that just begs to be shared. Give this recipe a try—you might find yourself making it again and again!
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Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a perfect appetizer or main course option. Tender, flavorful grilled chicken bites are paired with a rich and creamy garlic sauce that takes this dish to the next level.
Ingredients
For the grilled chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the creamy garlic sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Grill the chicken: Grill the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the garlic sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour, then slowly whisk in heavy cream. Add Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the grilled chicken bites and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Great served over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
