If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer or a crave-worthy dinner idea, let me introduce you to Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken bites are char-grilled to smoky perfection and then blanketed in a dreamy, rich garlic cream sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to savor every single bite — and maybe lick the plate clean. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite for anyone who loves bold flavors and comforting classics.

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a big role in building irresistible flavor, a luscious texture, or eye-catching color. By choosing quality components and preparing them with care, you bring Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce to life in the most delicious way.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of this recipe holds up perfectly on the grill and soaks up all those zesty seasonings.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade while ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and tenderizes the chicken for extra succulence.
Garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, aromatic garlic flavor right into every bite.
Paprika: Lends a pop of color and a gentle smoky sweetness to balance the dish.
Salt: Draws out and intensifies all the other flavors in both the chicken and sauce.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to every level of the recipe.
Unsalted butter: Kick-starts the luscious garlic sauce with indulgent flavor.
Garlic cloves, minced: There’s no such thing as too much garlic, and fresh cloves create that irresistible aroma.
Heavy cream: Makes for a sauce that’s silkier and richer than you can imagine.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, bringing its signature salty-nutty notes and extra creaminess.
Italian seasoning: Adds a whisper of herbs that ties the sauce together beautifully.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Finishes everything with a burst of color and fresh, vibrant flavor.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Begin by firing up your grill to medium-high heat. Giving the grill a few moments to get hot ensures gorgeous grill marks and that signature smoky flavor on your chicken. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, make sure it’s nice and hot before you add the chicken for best results.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this flavorful marinade, making sure every bite is coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes if you have the time — it makes the bites more tender and even tastier.

Step 3: Prepare to Grill

Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers for easy grilling and serving. If you’re out of skewers, don’t stress! You can place the pieces directly on the grill, just be sure to space them out so they develop a delicious crust all over.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Grill your chicken bites for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until they’re nicely golden and fully cooked through. Flip only once or twice to ensure lovely char marks. When done, the juices should run clear and the inside will be tender and just slightly juicy.

Step 5: Start the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While your chicken sizzles away on the grill, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fragrant — this is when your kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this creamy mixture simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, just until it thickens a bit and all the flavors meld into pure deliciousness.

Step 7: Bring it All Together

Transfer your grilled chicken bites to a serving platter and generously pour over the creamy garlic sauce. Don’t forget the final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley — it’s the finishing touch that makes the dish pop visually and in flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are best served piping hot. Gather your friends or family and dig right in!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Top your Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce with a flourish of fresh parsley for brightness, or try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you want an irresistible cheesy finish. A dash of cracked black pepper or a few wispy lemon zest curls can add extra color and a little zip.

Side Dishes

These chicken bites pair wonderfully with fluffy white rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles — all perfect for soaking up that garlic sauce. For a lighter touch, toss together a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or serve up some garlicky grilled asparagus.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the basics: arrange skewered bites on a party platter for appetizers, nestle the chicken atop toasted baguette slices for hearty bruschetta, or serve in lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb twist. The creamy garlic sauce doubles as an incredible dip for veggies and bread as well!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and sauce separately if you can, to keep the chicken from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze any leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container. While the sauce can be frozen too, it may separate a bit upon thawing, so stir it well and gently reheat to restore its creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or cream to the sauce if needed. The microwave works too, but the stove is best for a velvety, just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving than breasts, so they’re a wonderful swap for Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem — a grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stovetop will still give you delicious results. Just make sure it’s nice and hot before you add the chicken for some of that classic grilled flavor.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Gently reheat and stir before serving over your grilled chicken bites for maximum freshness.

Is there a lighter version of the sauce?

If you’d like to lighten things up, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce the butter slightly. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still super tasty.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe as written is flavorful without much heat. But if you love a little kick, add a dash of cayenne or a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade or the sauce!

Final Thoughts

Give Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce a try the next time you’re craving something spectacular that’s easy to pull together. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress, and I can’t wait for you to taste just how good it is. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to this one again and again!

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a perfect combination of juicy grilled chicken with a rich and flavorful creamy garlic sauce. A simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Instructions

Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces to coat evenly.
Grill the Chicken: Thread the chicken onto skewers or place directly on the grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Assemble: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter and pour the creamy garlic sauce over it. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to customize the seasoning of the chicken to suit your taste preferences.
This creamy garlic sauce also pairs well with grilled vegetables or pasta.
Make sure to monitor the grill to prevent the chicken from overcooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling, Stovetop
Cuisine: American