These grilled chicken bites are juicy and full of flavor, perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal! The creamy garlic sauce adds a rich touch that makes each bite a delight.
I love dipping these delicious bites right into the sauce! Honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one. Serve them at parties, and watch everyone go back for seconds! 🐔💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are super easy to work with, but feel free to swap in thighs for more juiciness. If you’re aiming for a lower-calorie option, turkey breast is another great choice!
Olive Oil: This gives a nice flavor and helps the spices stick. If you’re out of olive oil, canola or avocado oil are great alternatives that have a more neutral taste.
Garlic Powder: I love using garlic powder for convenience. If you prefer fresh, use about two minced cloves instead for a stronger garlic kick!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy element to the sauce. If you don’t have Dijon on hand, yellow mustard or even a bit of horseradish can add an interesting twist.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but be careful as it may not thicken as much. Coconut cream is a good non-dairy option.
How Do I Make The Chicken Extra Flavorful and Tender?
Marinating the chicken is key to great flavor! Start with a mix of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and seasonings. Here’s how:
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and add the chicken bites, tossing well.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- When grilling, don’t overcrowd the grill pan; give each bite room to get that nice char.
This method prevents the chicken from drying out and maximizes flavor. Enjoy those perfectly grilled bites!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Overall, you can expect to spend about 1 hour from start to finish, including marinating time. Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well mixed. Then, add the chicken pieces into the bowl and toss them around to coat thoroughly with the seasoning. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak in all that flavor.
2. Grill the Chicken Bites:
Once the chicken is marinated, preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken bites on the grill, making sure they’re not crowded. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice, slightly charred look. When done, remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, let’s make the sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add a small amount of olive oil or butter and let it warm up. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. If you want an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine and Serve:
Once your creamy garlic sauce is ready, drizzle it over the grilled chicken bites. Don’t forget to garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor! Serve your beautifully plated chicken bites right away alongside your favorite side dishes, or over a bed of rice or salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through—about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill should do it.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream in the Sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or need a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut cream or a combination of milk and cornstarch. For the latter, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it up just like heavy cream would!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, keep the chicken and sauce separate until you’re ready to reheat. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce in Advance?
You sure can! The creamy garlic sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally—add a splash of milk if it has thickened too much!
