I love this dish because it combines tender grilled chicken bites with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that elevates the flavors to a whole new level. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal whether for a casual dinner or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how the smoky char from grilling perfectly balances the smooth, garlicky cream sauce. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful, and the sauce adds a comforting richness that makes every bite delicious. Plus, it’s straightforward to make and versatile enough to pair with lots of sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

  1. I preheat my grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. I toss the chicken pieces in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and oregano until everything is well coated.
  3. I thread the chicken onto skewers, soaking wooden skewers in water first if I’m using those.
  4. I grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred, then set it aside.
  5. For the sauce, I melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Then I stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, simmering until the sauce thickens.
  6. I add the grilled chicken bites into the sauce and toss them to coat evenly.
  7. Finally, I garnish with fresh parsley if I have it and serve right away.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for some heat.
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a nice twist to the marinade.
  • For a dairy-free version, I substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • Adding grilled vegetables on the skewers makes it a fuller meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring to keep it even.

FAQs

How can I tell when the chicken is done?

I check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and that the juices run clear with no pink inside.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the sauce a day before and gently reheat it before serving.

What sides do you recommend with this?

I usually serve it with pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Can chicken thighs be used instead of breasts?

Definitely. Chicken thighs stay juicy and work well, though cooking time might vary.

Can I cook the chicken without skewers?

Yes, I sometimes grill or pan-cook the pieces directly without skewers.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is one of those recipes I keep coming back to for its perfect balance of smoky, tender chicken and rich, garlicky sauce. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and always a hit whether for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

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Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Smoky grilled chicken bites paired with a rich and creamy garlic sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

  • Author: Linda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and oregano. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
  4. Grill the chicken skewers for 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and nicely charred. Remove and set aside.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Add grilled chicken bites into the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic sauce.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

  • To add spice, include cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the chicken marinade.
  • For herbal depth, add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
  • Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers for a complete meal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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