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
- I preheat my grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- I toss the chicken pieces in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and oregano until everything is well coated.
- I thread the chicken onto skewers, soaking wooden skewers in water first if I’m using those.
- I grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred, then set it aside.
- 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.
- I add the grilled chicken bites into the sauce and toss them to coat evenly.
- 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.
PrintGrilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Smoky grilled chicken bites paired with a rich and creamy garlic sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- 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
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and oregano. Toss to coat evenly.
- Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and nicely charred. Remove and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 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.
- Add grilled chicken bites into the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic sauce.
- 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