Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A Complete, Detailed Step-by-Step Guide (Just Like a Google Recipe Post)
If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy, and crowd-pleasing chicken recipe, these Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are exactly what you need. They’re juicy on the inside, golden and slightly crispy on the outside, and coated (or dipped) in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that takes the dish to the next level.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, party appetizers, or even a protein-packed snack!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30–60 minutes (recommended)
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Servings: 4 people
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken Bites
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (cooking cream)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear when grilling.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine:
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Ground ginger
- Lemon juice
- Italian seasoning
Mix well until everything is combined.
Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly until each piece is coated in the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
For deeper flavor and more tenderness, marinate for 1 hour.
Tip: The lemon juice helps tenderize the chicken, while the oil keeps it juicy during grilling.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil the surface if necessary.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes on one side without moving them.
- Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Remove from heat and set aside.
Pro Tip: If too much liquid releases into the pan, cook in batches to maintain that beautiful golden sear.
How to Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
This sauce is rich, smooth, and full of garlic flavor.
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
In a medium saucepan over medium heat:
- Melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic.
- Sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not let it brown).
Step 2: Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently.
Bring to a gentle simmer (not a rapid boil).
Let it cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Add shredded cheese gradually while stirring.
Continue stirring until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
How to Serve
You can serve this dish in several ways:
Option 1: Sauce on Top
Place the grilled chicken bites on a serving plate and pour the creamy garlic sauce over them.
Option 2: Dipping Style
Serve the sauce on the side as a dip. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
What to Serve With It
These chicken bites pair wonderfully with:
- French fries
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Pasta
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
For a low-carb option, serve with steamed broccoli or zucchini noodles.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently in a pan over low heat.
- Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the chicken.
Variations
1 Oven-Baked Version
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes instead of grilling.
2 Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
3 Healthier Version
- Use light cream instead of heavy cream.
- Replace cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
4 Extra Crispy Version
Coat chicken pieces lightly in cornstarch before grilling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy
- High in protein
- Family-friendly
- Great for meal prep
- Rich, comforting flavor
- Customizable