Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, perfectly juicy, and guaranteed to win hearts at any table, Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, kissed by the grill and swaddled in a velvety, garlicky sauce with just the right touch of Parmesan. This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, equally at home at a cozy family dinner or as the star of your next backyard cookout. It’s approachable, fast, and delivers restaurant-level results with ingredients you already love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: every ingredient plays a vital role, from the smoky paprika on the chicken to the creamy richness of the sauce. Together, they create an irresistible combination of taste, color, and texture you won’t want to miss.
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and tender, juicy bites.
- Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken for even seasoning and keeps it moist on the grill.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with deep savory notes that echo the sauce’s flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the grilled chicken bites.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Black pepper: A hint of heat to elevate the overall seasoning.
- Unsalted butter: The base of the creamy garlic sauce, giving it a luxurious texture.
- Fresh garlic: Use minced cloves for the best punch of flavor in your sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just enough to cling beautifully to the chicken.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce light and savory.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and rich.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the whole dish.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by getting your grill or grill pan hot over medium-high heat. A well-preheated grill is the secret to those gorgeous char marks and juicy, evenly cooked chicken bites. If you’re using outdoor equipment, give it a good 10 minutes to heat up.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss your chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is glistening and coated—this simple marinade locks in moisture and sets the foundation for flavor. For an extra boost, cover and marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling.
Step 3: Skewer and Grill
Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers both work) or place them directly on the grill if they’re small enough. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden, lightly charred, and cooked through. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant—don’t rush this step, let that garlic bloom! Stir in the flour, cooking for about a minute to get rid of any raw taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan. Whisk until the sauce is silky-smooth and thickened, around 3 to 4 minutes. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Arrange the hot grilled chicken bites on a platter or individual plates, drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, and shower with chopped parsley. The sauce clings to every bite, and the fresh herbs add a burst of color and flavor that takes these Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce over the top.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brings a pop of color and a fresh, herby note that brightens the creamy sauce. If you want to get fancy, try a dusting of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for a zesty finish—both make the dish look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce pair beautifully with fluffy rice, buttered noodles, or a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of sauce. For a lighter touch, serve with roasted or grilled vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even over a bed of quinoa for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these bites into a showstopper by serving them as skewers at a party, arranging them family-style on a big platter, or piling them atop a bed of greens for a hearty salad. The sauce doubles as an irresistible dip, so you can even serve the chicken and sauce separately for a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate if possible, so the chicken stays juicy and the sauce keeps its creamy texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken bites (without the sauce) in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. The creamy garlic sauce is best freshly made, but you can freeze it separately in a pinch—just know it may separate slightly when thawed, so whisk well when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken bites gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until hot. For the sauce, reheat in a small pan over low, whisking constantly to restore its creamy consistency. If it thickens too much, a splash of milk or broth will bring it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy on the grill and add a bit more flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and proceed as you would with chicken breasts.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the creamy garlic sauce?
You can swap out the butter for olive oil, use your favorite non-dairy cream (like coconut or cashew cream), and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese. The sauce will still be rich and delicious!
Can I bake the chicken bites instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake them in a 425°F oven on a lined sheet pan for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through. While you’ll miss the grill char, they’ll still be tender and perfectly cooked.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce, and double-check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to make the dish extra saucy?
If you love extra sauce, double the creamy garlic sauce portion of the recipe. You can then toss the chicken bites directly in the sauce, or serve extra on the side for dipping and drizzling.
Final Thoughts
Give Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce a try and watch them disappear from the table. They’re quick, bursting with flavor, and so versatile—you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again. Invite some friends over or treat your family, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
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Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and tender grilled chicken bites served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful main course that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill and Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Grill the Chicken Bites: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers or grill them directly if they are small enough. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and develops a light char.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While the chicken grills, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken bites, drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling using olive oil, garlic, and spices.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with side dishes such as steamed rice, pasta, or grilled vegetables.
- The creamy garlic sauce doubles as a delicious dip or can be tossed with the chicken for a saucier meal.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup chicken with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
