Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs tender, juicy grilled chicken with a rich and savory garlic cream sauce. It’s the kind of recipe I love for both quick weeknight meals and impressive entertaining — it’s bold, satisfying, and always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these grilled chicken bites cook up quickly but never lack flavor. The creamy garlic sauce brings restaurant-style richness right to my table without any complicated steps. It’s one of those versatile meals I serve with rice, pasta, or vegetables, and it always delivers comfort and taste in every bite.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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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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Butter
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Fresh garlic, minced
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Heavy cream
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Chicken broth
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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I season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then toss them in olive oil until well coated.
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I preheat my grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken bites until golden and cooked through, flipping once — usually about 3–4 minutes per side.
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I remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest while I prepare the sauce.
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In a skillet, I melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned.
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I stir in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, letting it reduce slightly.
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I add the heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
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I return the grilled chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the creamy garlic sauce until well coated.
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I serve them hot, garnished with parsley if I have it on hand.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy finish.
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For a spicier version, I add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the chicken seasoning.
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When I want a lower-fat option, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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I’ve also added sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
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For a heartier dish, I serve it over pasta or garlic mashed potatoes.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce needs thinning. It also reheats well in the microwave, though I stir it halfway through to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, I sometimes use leftover grilled chicken and just focus on making the sauce — it’s a great time-saver.
Can I make this sauce without dairy?
For a dairy-free version, I use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast in place of the cream and Parmesan.
How do I keep the chicken bites juicy?
I don’t overcook them — grilling just until they’re done keeps them tender and moist.
What sides go well with this dish?
I usually pair it with rice, pasta, roasted veggies, or even a fresh salad — it’s super flexible.
Can I cook the chicken in a skillet instead of grilling?
Absolutely — when I don’t want to grill, I sear the chicken bites in a hot skillet with a little oil for similar results.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is one of those easy yet satisfying recipes I find myself making again and again. I love how the grilled chicken soaks up the garlic cream sauce and how it pairs with just about any side dish. It’s rich, flavorful, and always makes dinner feel a little more special — even on the busiest nights.
Print
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are tender, flavorful chicken pieces grilled to perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining, this quick and satisfying dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or veggies.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
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In a skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
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Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and reduce slightly.
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Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmering until smooth and thickened.
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Return grilled chicken bites to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add lemon juice for a tangy kick.
- Use crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for more depth.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
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