There’s something truly magical about bite-sized, juicy grilled chicken smothered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This dish is the perfect blend of smoky charred flavors and velvety, garlicky goodness—basically, a match made in foodie heaven. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a protein-packed snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these grilled chicken bites are here to deliver.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special:
Chicken Breast: The protein-packed star of the show. Juicy and tender, grilled to perfection.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps lock in the moisture while grilling.
Garlic: The heart of the creamy sauce. Roasting or sautéing it brings out its natural sweetness.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that velvety smooth sauce that coats every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, umami kick that takes the sauce to the next level.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
Spices: A mix of salt, pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika for depth.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. A properly preheated grill ensures that beautiful charred exterior without overcooking the chicken.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This helps create that irresistible grilled flavor.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken bites on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a pan over medium heat, sauté the garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Add the Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy consistency.
Finish with Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice balances out the richness and enhances the flavors.
Combine & Serve: Toss the grilled chicken bites in the sauce or drizzle it over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy garlic sauce. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a colorful and nutrient-packed meal.
Pasta or Rice: For a heartier meal, serve these chicken bites over pasta, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Save time by marinating the chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.
Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce for extra heat.
Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and add more flavor.
Q2: Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
A2: Yes! Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the grilled chicken separately and make the sauce fresh when reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q6: Can I grill the chicken indoors?
A6: Yes! A grill pan or even an air fryer works great.
Q7: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
A7: Garlic powder works in a pinch—start with 1/2 teaspoon.
Q8: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A8: You can, but grilling fresh chicken gives the best flavor and texture.
Q9: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A9: Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Q10: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A10: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
Enjoy making and sharing this dish—it’s a guaranteed hit!
Print
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal or appetizer! Seasoned with paprika, garlic, and a hint of spice, these grilled bites pair beautifully with a rich and tangy garlic sauce. Whether you’re looking for quick high-protein meals, simple recipes to try, or easy dinner ideas, this dish is a must-try!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken cubes, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss to coat evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken cubes for 2-3 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken bites on a platter and drizzle with the Creamy Garlic Sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Make it a meal: Serve with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26.5 g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Looks yummy and will be making it today for dinner. But you might want to review your recipe below, it has mayonnaise and sour cream instead of heavy cream and parmesan.
Sauce recipe is incorrect
I just made this, with a couple of adjustments … I grated the garlic, and added a third clove. OMG what a sauce! I made the sauce first, to give the flavours time to blend, and boy did they ever! The addition of the extra clove gave the sauce some bite!
The meal as a whole was a huge hit, and vampires will be far from our house tonight! lol
Thanks for an amazing recipe!
Definitely will make again delicious
I went to make this but the ingredients listed in the recipe are completely different from the cooking instructions. One lists ingredients for a cream based cheese sauce. The other is some kind of mayonnaise based sauce. You can’t combine the two because there is no measurement or quantity amounts listed for the cream based sauce, and it is unclear if the mayonnaise based ingredients are supposed to be cooked. I just wasted my time an money on this recipe.
Is it heavy cream or sour cream?
You csn’t drizzle a sauce”? Made with sour cream and mayo.
Making this as I type this. Looks awesome.