Introduction
These Tender Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the ultimate weeknight indulgence — juicy, flavorful chicken grilled to perfection and dipped in a silky, garlicky sauce that’s pure comfort in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a casual get-together, these bites strike the right balance between savory and satisfying. With simple ingredients and an irresistible aroma, this dish is a Pinterest-worthy favorite that’ll quickly become a household staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, flavorful chicken that stays tender with every bite
- Creamy garlic sauce that’s rich, smooth, and perfectly seasoned
- Quick to make — ready in under 30 minutes
- Great for meal prep, appetizers, or main dishes
- Family-friendly and kid-approved flavor combo
- Easy to scale up for parties or meal plans
Ingredients Needed
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken – Toss chicken pieces in olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Preheat Grill or Pan – Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface.
- Grill the Chicken Bites – Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Make the Garlic Sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add Cream and Cheese – Pour in heavy cream, add Parmesan, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Combine & Serve – Toss grilled chicken in the sauce or serve it on the side as a dip. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
Tips for Success
- Cut chicken pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill — it helps get that nice sear.
- Let the sauce simmer gently; don’t boil it, or it may separate.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture.
- Add lemon zest or juice for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Make extra sauce — it’s incredible on pasta or veggies!
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Lighter Sauce: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Herby Twist: Use basil, thyme, or dill for different flavor profiles.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Pair with a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables.
- Use as a wrap filling with lettuce, cucumber, and extra sauce.
- Enjoy as an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping bowls.
- Add to pasta for a luxurious garlic Alfredo-style meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even grilling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Grill the chicken ahead and make the sauce fresh before serving for best flavor.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer a bit longer or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for the cream and cheese.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes — bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 410kcal
Cost: Medium
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan For even cooking and beautiful grill marks
- Saucepan For preparing the creamy garlic sauce
- mixing bowl To marinate chicken pieces
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Toss chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface.
- Grill chicken bites for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Combine chicken with sauce or serve the sauce on the side. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
Notes
Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze chicken without sauce for 2 months. Reheat gently over low heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 620mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 1mg
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