Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Juicy Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Crispy and succulent grilled chicken bites dance with a creamy garlic sauce that promises pure delight.

Marinating the tender morsels ensures maximum flavor absorption.

Juicy chicken pieces become irresistible when kissed by grill flames.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky char and silky sauce.

Garlic’s robust essence weaves through the dish, creating a memorable experience.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

Why Grilled Chicken Bites and Garlic Sauce Are a Hit

  • Whip Up Quick Weeknight Wonder: Chicken bites deliver a delicious meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner solution.
  • Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows swapping ingredients or serving styles, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and kitchen skill levels.
  • Create Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home: Professional-tasting creamy garlic sauce transforms simple chicken into an elevated meal that impresses without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Uses common pantry staples to craft a mouth-watering dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal preparation and cooking expertise.

Garlic Chicken Bites with Cream Sauce Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Chicken:
  • Chicken Pieces: Bite-sized protein for a hearty and delicious meal.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds smooth and luxurious texture to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty flavor to the sauce.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhances chicken's flavor and creates delicious coating.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds intense aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Chopped Parsley: Fresh herb for bright, green color and additional flavor.

Grilled Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Prep

Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Chicken

Grab bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them with a zesty blend of:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Ensure each chicken morsel gets thoroughly coated with the vibrant seasonings. Let the flavors mingle for 10-15 minutes while you prep your cooking surface.

Step 2: Grill to Golden Perfection

Fire up your grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken bites, allowing each side to develop a beautiful caramelized exterior. Rotate occasionally to ensure even cooking. Cook until chicken reaches a tender, golden-brown state and internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 3: Craft the Luxurious Garlic Sauce

In a separate pan, transform simple ingredients into a decadent sauce:
  • Unsalted butter
  • Freshly minced garlic
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Melt butter and sauté garlic until aromatic. Pour in cream, letting it bubble gently. Sprinkle Parmesan, stirring until sauce transforms into a silky, rich embrace.

Step 4: Harmonize and Serve

Gently fold grilled chicken into the creamy sauce, allowing each piece to get lavishly coated. Let them simmer together for a few magical moments. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately over your favorite base – whether fluffy rice, twirly pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Chicken Bite Tips for the Juiciest Creamy Garlic Finish

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • Control Heat for Perfect Browning: Use medium-high heat to achieve golden exterior without burning chicken pieces.
  • Test Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Prevent Sauce Separation: Stir Parmesan cheese slowly and consistently to create smooth, creamy texture without clumping.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a ketogenic-friendly meal option.

How to Reheat Grilled Chicken Bites and Sauce

  • Store leftover chicken bites and sauce in an airtight container, keeping them separate to maintain crispiness. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent drying out.
  • Cool completely, then freeze chicken and sauce in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Dishes That Match Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Elevate the grilled chicken bites by serving with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity cuts through the creamy garlic sauce and complements the dish's rich flavors.
  • Create Herbed Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like basil and chives, dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy chicken bites.
  • Match with Roasted Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce, adding a delightful textural element and enhancing the garlic notes in the dish.
  • Select Chilled Chardonnay: Choose an unoaked Chardonnay with subtle buttery undertones that harmonize perfectly with the creamy Parmesan sauce and grilled chicken's smoky profile.

Grilled Chicken Bite Styles

  • Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta or rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that keeps the delicious flavors intact.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning and incorporate a dash of hot sauce into the garlic cream sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Replace paprika with dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano in the chicken seasoning, and sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or chives over the finished dish for enhanced aromatic flavor.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown, firm to touch, and have no pink color inside.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?

Absolutely! Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes of equal size to ensure even cooking. This works perfectly with the same seasoning and cooking method.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream for the sauce?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and add a bit of cornstarch to help thicken.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free. Just ensure your spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

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Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce elevate weeknight dinners with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Each tender chicken morsel promises rich, garlicky goodness that beckons you to savor every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Spices:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken pieces by massaging with olive oil and a blend of aromatic spices, ensuring each morsel is evenly coated with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat a grill or skillet to medium temperature, creating a perfect surface for achieving a golden-brown exterior while maintaining succulent interior of the chicken.
  3. Cook chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure uniform caramelization and thorough cooking throughout each bite.
  4. Craft the creamy garlic sauce by melting butter in a separate skillet, releasing its rich, nutty essence.
  5. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing briefly to unlock its intense, fragrant notes without burning.
  6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to gently simmer and develop a luxurious, velvety texture.
  7. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently until it melts completely and the sauce reaches a luscious, slightly thickened consistency.
  8. Season the sauce with a delicate balance of salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  9. Delicately fold the grilled chicken bites into the creamy garlic sauce, ensuring each piece is elegantly enrobed.
  10. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
  11. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish.
  12. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and promote better browning.
  • Use cast iron skillet or grill pan for deeper flavor and beautiful caramelization.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding more Parmesan cheese for desired consistency.
  • Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter sauce.
  • Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken sauce if needed.
  • Fresh garlic delivers more robust flavor compared to powdered garlic in seasoning.
  • Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent dryness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 545
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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