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
Scale
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.
