Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a flavorful, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and weekend gatherings. Juicy, seared chicken pieces are paired with a rich, garlicky sauce that’s creamy without being heavy—making every bite completely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe turns simple ingredients into something seriously delicious. The grilled chicken is tender and full of smoky flavor, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a luxurious finish. It’s easy to prep ahead, fast to cook, and goes great with rice, pasta, or veggies. Whether I’m meal prepping or making dinner for guests, these chicken bites always get rave reviews.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Bites:
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Olive oil
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Garlic powder
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Paprika
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Lemon juice (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
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Butter
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Garlic, minced
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Heavy cream
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Chicken broth
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
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I start by tossing the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I let them marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to a few hours in the fridge.
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I preheat my grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
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I grill the chicken bites for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked, then set them aside to rest.
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In a skillet, I melt butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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I pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
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I add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. I season with salt and pepper to taste.
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I return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the creamy garlic sauce until well coated.
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I garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so dinner is ready in around 35 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth, or toss in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture. I’ve also made a lighter version using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. When I want more heat, I sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce also works great with shrimp or pork instead of chicken.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, I’ve used rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken and just warmed it in the sauce. It’s a great time-saver.
What sides go well with this dish?
I usually serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. It’s also great with roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, I’ve made it with coconut cream and nutritional yeast as a dairy-free alternative. It’s a different flavor but still rich and satisfying.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. I portion it with rice or veggies into containers and it reheats well for lunch or dinner.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and are my go-to when I want more flavor and tenderness.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. The tender chicken and rich sauce come together in one pan for a no-fuss, satisfying meal. Whether I’m feeding a family or prepping lunch for the week, this recipe always delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Print
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling & Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy, grilled chicken paired with a rich Parmesan-garlic cream sauce. It’s a satisfying, protein-packed meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return grilled chicken to the skillet and coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add white wine, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Substitute shrimp or pork for the chicken.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
- Dairy-free version can be made with coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
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