If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying, then you’ll want to try this Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. Perfectly charred chicken bites coated in a smoky, garlicky seasoning, paired with a luxuriously smooth garlic cream sauce that brings everything together in pure delicious harmony. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with friends on any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, each playing a vital role in creating that perfect balance of savory, smoky, and creamy you’re after. From the tender chicken breasts to the punchy garlic and luscious cream, every element shines through and makes this dish memorable.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick grilling and easy eating.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and adds a slight fruitiness while keeping the chicken juicy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers that deep garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a smoky warmth.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough spice to balance the richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: The base for the creamy garlic sauce, offering richness and a silky texture.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor in the sauce with a fragrant punch.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly without clumping.
- ¾ cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and nuances of chicken flavor.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates that smooth, luscious mouthfeel for the sauce.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and umami to elevate every bite.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: For final seasoning adjustments to your preference.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a herbaceous note.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Season the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken bites in olive oil and the dry spices—garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This step is crucial for infusing every piece with bold, smoky flavors and giving the chicken that inviting golden hue once grilled. Make sure each bite is evenly coated for the best flavor in every mouthful.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken Bites
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken bites for about 8 to 10 minutes. Turning occasionally ensures even cooking and those irresistible charred edges. The grilling is what makes this recipe sing, giving the chicken a lovely smoky char that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken rests, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the fresh minced garlic until fragrant—just a minute or two is perfect. Stir in the flour to form a roux, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Add in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to silky perfection. Season it with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Drizzle that rich, velvety garlic sauce generously over the grilled chicken bites, allowing all those flavors to meld together. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with some fresh parsley for a pop of vibrant green and fresh aroma. The result is a dish that’s absolutely bursting with flavor and texture.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley not only brightens the look of the dish but also adds a subtle herbaceous freshness that complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving lifts the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Think fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, steamed veggies for freshness, or even a bed of fluffy rice to make it a complete meal. Pasta tossed with a little olive oil or butter is another cozy choice that pairs superbly well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grilled chicken bites on skewers for easy handling. Alternatively, arrange them over a fresh green salad for a lighter meal or present everything family-style with bowls of sauce and sides, inviting everyone to help themselves and enjoy the dish together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken bites with creamy garlic sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to let the flavors deepen, and just reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Freezing
While the grilled chicken bites themselves freeze well, the creamy garlic sauce is best made fresh. However, you can freeze chicken bites separately in a single layer on a tray and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating with freshly prepared sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken bites in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Prepare the garlic sauce fresh on the stovetop for the best texture and flavor, then pour over the warm chicken bites just before serving for that unbeatable taste.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bite-sized chicken breasts are perfect for quick grilling, you can use chicken thighs for more juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I cook the chicken bites indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! A grill pan or regular skillet cooked over medium-high heat works just as well. Just make sure to get a nice sear for that smoky grilled flavor and watch for even cooking.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust it?
The recipe is mildly spiced due to the smoked paprika and black pepper, but if you want more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix before grilling.
What can I serve if I want this meal to be gluten-free?
Great news! The only gluten-containing ingredient is the all-purpose flour in the sauce, which you can easily substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites to whip up when I want something simple yet seriously delicious. The combination of smoky grilled chicken and indulgent garlic sauce is downright irresistible. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to bring warmth and smiles around your table.
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Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe features tender grilled chicken bites seasoned with a smoky, garlicky spice blend, perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Ideal as a main course, these chicken bites are quick to prepare and great served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
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
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
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken bites with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken bites on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and have slightly charred edges. Remove the chicken from the grill and set aside.
- Make the creamy garlic sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 30 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Simmer the sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened, approximately 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the grilled chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Great served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a heartier meal.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour in the sauce.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a fresh herbal note but is optional.
