Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a dish destined to become the shining star at your dinner table. Tender chunks of marinated chicken are grilled until perfectly golden and kissed with smoke, then generously swirled with a dreamy, garlicky cream sauce that’s just begging to be scooped up with crusty bread or drizzled over rice. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight meal or looking to impress family and friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that delivers both comfort and restaurant-worthy flavor. The tangy Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and juicy chicken bites make every bite irresistible!

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of kitchen staples, each contributing a unique flavor, texture, or vibrant color to the dish. Don’t skip any of these—each ingredient truly plays a starring role in the balanced taste of Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for juicy bites that cook quickly and evenly.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the spices cling to every piece of chicken, delivering a delicious golden char.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of both the chicken and the sauce.
Black pepper: Balances out the richness of the sauce with just a hint of heat.
Smoked paprika: Infuses the chicken with a subtle smokiness that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Garlic powder: Layers extra savory flavor into the marinade for a robust garlic kick.
Onion powder: Provides a gentle sweetness and roundness to the seasoning blend.
Butter: Forms the lush base for your creamy garlic sauce, lending rich flavor and silkiness.
Fresh garlic: Nothing compares to the aroma and taste of real, minced garlic sautéed in butter.
All-purpose flour: Just a spoonful helps thicken the sauce until it coats every chicken bite beautifully.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory notes that make the sauce irresistible.
Heavy cream: Brings the luxurious, creamy texture that makes this sauce truly special.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a tangy, cheesy finish with a hint of nuttiness.
Chopped parsley: Brightens up the dish right before serving with a fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure every chicken bite gets coated evenly with the seasoning mixture. Let them marinate while you heat up the grill—this quick soak infuses the chicken with big flavor, even with just a few minutes of rest.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, gently lay each chicken piece onto the grates. You’ll want to hear a satisfying sizzle the second they hit the pan! Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, turning only once to get those beautiful char marks without breaking the juicy crust. The chicken should be fully cooked through and irresistibly smoky by the end.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

As your chicken rests, start on the sauce—the true secret weapon behind Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and immediately add your minced garlic. Let it sauté for just about a minute, enough to fill the kitchen with its amazing aroma, then stir in the flour. Cook for 30 seconds to form a smooth roux, whisking constantly so nothing burns.

Step 4: Thicken, Simmer, and Finish the Sauce

Whisk in the chicken broth gradually, clearing any floury bits from the bottom of the pan, then pour in the heavy cream. Keep whisking as the sauce begins to thicken—this usually takes 3–4 minutes, but you’ll know it’s ready when it smoothly coats the back of your spoon. Sprinkle in the Parmesan, salt, and black pepper, then simmer briefly until everything is perfectly melted and glossy.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Pile your freshly grilled chicken bites onto a serving platter and generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce all over. Shower the top with chopped parsley for an unmistakably fresh finish. The contrast of juicy meat, creamy sauce, and a touch of green makes Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce utterly irresistible—just try not to steal a bite before sitting down!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

A final scattering of chopped fresh parsley instantly wakes up the plate with bright color and a delicate herby aroma. For extra indulgence, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving creates a gourmet touch. Freshly cracked black pepper is the perfect way to add visual appeal and boost flavor too!

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a hearty meal, serve alongside fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple buttered pasta to soak up every drop of sauce. If you’re leaning toward lighter fare, try it with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or even a zippy green salad for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this recipe into dazzling party food by serving the chicken bites on skewers, each piece draped with sauce and sprinkled with herbs. For family-style feasting, arrange the bites on a large platter with grilled lemon halves and a shower of microgreens. You can even make mini sliders by tucking a couple of saucy chicken bites into small buns with crisp lettuce—sure to be a hit at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce can be cooled, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together for even better flavor as they mingle overnight.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these chicken bites! Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the sauce separately to preserve its creamy texture and whisk gently while reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but do so in short intervals and stir often to keep everything silky smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent, juicier option that stays tender even if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and proceed with the recipe as written.

Is Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free with a simple swap: just substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce thickener. Double-check that your broth and Parmesan are also gluten-free for complete peace of mind.

Can I make the creamy garlic sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to two days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Reheat it gently on the stove, whisking well and adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth to get the desired consistency before pouring over your fresh grilled chicken bites.

What’s the best way to grill if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

No worries! A stovetop grill pan or even a regular nonstick skillet will do the job perfectly. You’ll still get delicious browning and a savory flavor—just be sure to cook in batches if your pan is small so each piece gets lovely caramelization.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to either the marinade or the sauce. You can also dash in a little cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like to turn things up!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing food that’s both comforting and fun to eat, and Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce fits the bill perfectly. I hope this recipe inspires you to gather your favorite people and make dinner a bit more special tonight—don’t be surprised when these bites disappear fast!

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer. Tender grilled chicken bites are paired with a rich and creamy garlic sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Grilled Chicken Bites:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the grill or grill pan: Heat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well coated.
Grill the chicken: Grill the chicken bites for 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the creamy garlic sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper, and simmer until creamy.
Serve: Drizzle the grilled chicken bites with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.