If you’re searching for a fast, crowd-pleasing dinner that packs a flavor punch, Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is about to become your new obsession. Tender, smoky chicken bites get a savory grilled crust, then bathes in a velvety, garlicky sauce that’s rich but not heavy. From weeknight dinners to backyard BBQs, this dish turns any meal into something special—especially when drizzled with a sauce that begs for a crusty piece of bread on the side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is in its simplicity. Each ingredient shows up for a reason—adding flavor, richness, or just making the whole experience a little brighter.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bites so they stay juicy and cook quickly—perfect for grilling.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick while adding a subtle, fruity richness.
- Garlic powder: Delivers instant garlic flavor, even before the fresh stuff hits the sauce.
- Smoked paprika: This brings a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color to your chicken bites.
- Onion powder: Adds that savory background note every good marinade needs.
- Salt: Don’t skimp—this brings all the flavors into focus.
- Black pepper: A must for a little bite and balance.
- Butter: The base for the creamy garlic sauce, making it glossy and rich.
- Fresh garlic: Minced and sautéed, it’s the sauce’s star ingredient.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just enough to coat every bite.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps things from getting too heavy.
- Heavy cream: The key to that dreamy, creamy texture—try half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness, umami, and helps the sauce stretch just a little further.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust at the end for perfect balance.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle adds freshness and color for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Marinate and Season the Chicken
Toss your chicken bites with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This isn’t just about coating—the olive oil locks in moisture, while the spices and seasonings penetrate deeply, ensuring your chicken is flavorful through and through. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prep the grill or pan.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer, and grill for 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally so every side gets a bit of char and they cook evenly. Watch them closely; because the pieces are small, they’ll cook fast and stay juicy. You want a lovely golden brown color with a little crispy edge.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken rests, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle gently—your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point. After about 1 to 2 minutes, stir in the flour and cook for just 30 seconds to take out the raw edge. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, simmer to thicken, then add heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until the sauce turns unapologetically glossy, rich, and smooth. Season to taste with extra salt and black pepper just as needed.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Arrange the grilled chicken bites on a platter or individual plates, then generously spoon that creamy garlic sauce over the top. Sprinkle with a little chopped fresh parsley if you’d like. The contrast between the smoky, charred chicken and the lush sauce is genuinely irresistible. Dive in while everything’s still warm.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley is classic, but don’t hesitate to try finely sliced chives or even a touch of lemon zest for a pop of color and freshness. If you want things extra cheesy, a bit more grated Parmesan on top never hurts. These little touches elevate the look and flavor of your Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce with nearly zero effort.
Side Dishes
This dish is endlessly versatile. Spoon your chicken and sauce over fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a tangle of warm pasta noodles. For something lighter, pile them onto a crisp green salad or serve alongside roasted vegetables. The sauce works like a charm, tying everything on the plate together.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading the chicken bites onto skewers for a more festive appetizer or party platter. Arrange them on a large board with toasted bread for dipping, or serve as sliders tucked into mini buns. If you’re bringing these to a potluck, a stack of toothpicks for easy grabbing turns the Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce into the ultimate finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce and chicken can be packed together or separately. It keeps deliciously for up to three days, making your next lunch or dinner a breeze.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the chicken and sauce completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. The sauce may thicken or separate slightly when thawed due to the cream, but it’s easy to bring back with gentle heat and stirring. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
For reheating, I recommend gently warming the chicken bites and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, stirring often to prevent the sauce from breaking. If the sauce looks a bit too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream to bring it back to silky smoothness. Microwave reheating works, too—just use a lower power level and stir halfway through for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor. Simply trim and cut them into bite-sized pieces, then follow the recipe exactly as written for equally delicious results.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! A grill pan inside or even a regular skillet will work well. The chicken may not have the same smoky flavor, but you’ll still get tasty browning and juicy bites thanks to the marinade and high-heat cooking.
Can I make the Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the dish is naturally gluten-free, so just that one swap keeps everything safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat the chicken bites and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or overcooking. Add a dash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce, and remember to reheat only until just warmed through to keep the chicken tender.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Try adding quick-cooking veggies like baby spinach, sautéed zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the sauce before serving. Roasted bell peppers or steamed broccoli also make great partners and help stretch the meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce enough—it’s the kind of dish that wins over even picky eaters and works for any night of the week. If you give it a try, you might find yourself making it on repeat. I hope you enjoy every garlicky, saucy, smoky bite as much as I do!
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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 delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Tender chicken bites are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grilled Chicken Bites: In a bowl, toss the chicken bites with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken bites for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Remove from grill and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the grilled chicken bites. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Great served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- The chicken can also be cooked in a skillet if grilling isn’t an option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
