If you are looking for a dish that is bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and absolutely irresistible, the Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, smoky chicken pieces grilled to perfection and then generously coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce that melts in your mouth. Each bite offers a delightful combination of savory spices, subtle heat, and that rich, velvety sauce that brings it all together. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver incredible layers of taste and texture. Each component plays its own role, from juicy chicken to aromatic herbs and that decadent, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender base that absorbs all the wonderful seasonings.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the chicken brown beautifully and stay juicy on the grill.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Layers extra garlic flavor beyond the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings subtle depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle peppery bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A fragrant herbaceous note that complements the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Add a spark of heat if you like a little kick.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh color and flavor.
- For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the rich base for the sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves minced: The star ingredient to potentiate the sauce with incredible aroma.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a smooth consistency.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and rich.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth, balancing the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasoning to bring out the best in the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A hint of pepper for complexity.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a nutty, salty kick.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Brightens and cuts through the creaminess with a fresh citrus zing.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces; this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Toss these pieces in olive oil along with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne if you want a little spice. This seasoning blend not only enhances flavor but also adds a beautiful color that makes the chicken enticing as it grills.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken Bites
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You can thread the chicken pieces onto skewers or place them directly on the grill grates. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. This ensures a perfectly golden outside and juicy, thoroughly cooked inside that’s bursting with smoky flavor – the kind of bite you can’t help but savor.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute – your kitchen will instantly be filled with an irresistible aroma. Next, whisk in flour and cook for 30 seconds to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth, then let it simmer gently until thickened, roughly five minutes. Finish the sauce by stirring in salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice, creating a rich and silky sauce that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
Remove the chicken bites from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle them generously with the creamy garlic sauce and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note, making every bite as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add thinly sliced green onions or a few red pepper flakes to elevate both the look and flavor. These little touches add freshness and a slight bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside buttery rice pilaf or creamy polenta, which will soak up every bit of the luscious garlic sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the grilled chicken bites on a wooden board with several small bowls of the creamy garlic sauce for dipping. Alternatively, skewer the chicken with the sauce drizzled on top for a fun finger food appetizer that will have guests reaching for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the grilled chicken bites and the creamy garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken from becoming soggy and the sauce at its best.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken bites without the sauce for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The sauce is best made fresh but can be frozen in small portions if necessary.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat to retain their grilled texture and keep them juicy. Gently reheat the sauce on the stove, stirring frequently so it stays smooth. Then, combine before serving for that perfect warm bite.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute as they stay extra juicy and tender, making your grilled chicken bites even more flavorful.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but heavy cream gives the best richness and texture for this recipe.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken bites in a skillet or under the broiler. Just watch closely to get that nice golden color and avoid drying out the chicken.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce without gluten.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat is mild by default, coming only from black pepper and optional cayenne. You can adjust the cayenne amount or leave it out completely to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe enough for anyone craving a dish that is both elegant in flavor and easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anything in between. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself going back to this recipe again and again — trust me, it’s that good!
Print
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these flavorful Grilled Chicken Bites paired with a luscious Creamy Garlic Sauce. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, the tender chicken is seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, then complemented by a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss well to evenly coat all the pieces with the seasoning blend.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. This ensures a nice sear and cooks the chicken evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers or lay them directly on the grill grates. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 30 seconds to form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Cream and Broth: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For juicier bites, substitute chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Use half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a lighter sauce option.
- If you don’t have a grill, the chicken bites can also be cooked in a skillet on the stovetop.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
