These grilled chicken bites are juicy, tasty, and perfect for any gathering! Tossed in a creamy garlic sauce, they make a delicious snack or meal.
Getting hands-on with these bites is so much fun—you’ll find yourself reaching for more! Pair them with veggies or rice for a yummy feast that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender bites. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works great too. Alternatively, chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture.
Olive Oil: This is essential for marinating the chicken. If you’re out, you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil as substitutes. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still work well.
Spices: Paprika and garlic powder are keys for flavoring the chicken. If you like a smokier flavor, smoked paprika is a delicious alternative. You can skip the cayenne if you prefer less heat, or substitute it with a dash of hot sauce instead.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It will change the flavor a bit, so keep that in mind!
Parmesan Cheese: For a nice salty kick, freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute that adds a sharper flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken bites can be tricky, but with the right attention, you can achieve perfectly cooked pieces. The key is in the marinating and grilling process.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but up to 2 hours in the fridge. This will lock in flavors and moisture.
- Preheat your grill properly before adding chicken—medium-high heat helps achieve great grill marks.
- If using skewers, soak wooden ones in water first. This prevents burning and keeps them intact while grilling.
- Grill chicken for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe.
Grilled Chicken Bites With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes in total. You’ll need 30 minutes to marinate the chicken and about 10 minutes for grilling and cooking the sauce. It’s a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces into a mixing bowl. Add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Mix everything together really well to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge) to soak up all those yummy flavors.
2. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. It’s important to get it nice and hot for the best grilling results.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto skewers (if you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning). Place the skewers on the grill. Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are fully cooked and have those beautiful grill marks.
4. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, let’s make the creamy garlic sauce! Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but try not to burn it! Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir it well.
5. Add Seasoning and Cheese:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the Italian seasoning. Season with a little salt and pepper to suit your taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it gets a bit thicker. Squeeze in some lemon juice right at the end to give it a nice, bright flavor!
6. Combine and Serve:
Once your chicken is grilled to perfection, carefully take it off the skewers and place it on a serving platter. Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken bites, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a lovely finishing touch.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious grilled chicken bites warm, whether as an appetizer or a main dish. Enjoy every bite of these tasty treats with the rich, creamy garlic sauce!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe and will add extra flavor and juiciness. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces like the chicken breasts for even cooking. You might need to grill them a couple of extra minutes, as thighs can take slightly longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter. For a lighter option, use plain Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk to achieve a creamy consistency. Just be sure to add the yogurt towards the end of cooking to prevent it from curdling.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the sauce’s texture, you might want to store the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring continuously, and add a touch more cream if it’s too thick.
