Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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We’ve all been there: looking for a meal that fits perfectly into a hectic weekday schedule yet feels special enough for a relaxed weekend. It’s a constant quest to find something packed with flavour, versatile, and so delicious that clean plates are a certainty. We understand this challenge completely, which is why we’re so excited to share our absolute favourite recipe with you. Allow us to introduce you to the most tender and flavourful grilled chicken bites with creamy garlic sauce you’ve ever tasted.

We promise, this dish is set to transform your mealtime routine. Picture this: perfectly grilled, bite-sized pieces of chicken with a beautiful smoky char, enveloped in a luxuriously smooth and rich garlic sauce. It’s a glorious pairing of texture and taste that feels truly decadent, but you’ll be amazed at how straightforward it is to prepare. So, let’s head to the kitchen and begin!

Why We’re Certain You’ll Love This Simple Chicken Recipe

Before we get to the recipe itself, we want to share just a few reasons why we believe this dish will earn a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire. Once you’ve experienced it, we’re sure you’ll be coming back to it again and again.

A Symphony of Flavours: We find the blend of smoky grilled chicken with a sumptuous, creamy garlic sauce is nothing short of heavenly. The marinade works its magic deep into the chicken, guaranteeing that every mouthful is bursting with taste.
Effortlessly Quick: This recipe is our top choice for a healthy weeknight meal as it can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. Its simple, clear instructions make it an ideal dish for cooks of all skill levels.
Incredibly Versatile: The serving possibilities are almost endless. We love pairing these chicken bites with everything from pasta and rice to crisp salads and roasted vegetables. They also make for fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prepping.
A Hit with the Whole Family: We’ve found that even the most particular of palates will be won over by these tender morsels of chicken. The comforting, creamy sauce has a universal appeal that makes it a firm family favourite. For another creamy chicken dish that’s bound to be a success, we also recommend trying The Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe.

The Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

The true beauty of this dish is how it uses simple, quality ingredients to produce something genuinely remarkable. It’s very likely you already have many of these staples ready to go in your kitchen. Here is the full list of what we’ll be using.

For the Juicy Chicken Bites

Chicken Breasts: We work with 600g of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which we cut into 1-inch cubes for quick and even cooking.
Olive Oil: You’ll need 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and stops it from catching on the grill.
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon of this will give the chicken a gorgeous colour and a wonderful, smoky aroma.
Dried Oregano: We add 1 teaspoon for a classic, earthy flavour that reminds us of Mediterranean cooking.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon helps to create the first layer of that delicious garlic flavour we’re aiming for.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to your own preference. We find about 1/2 teaspoon of each is a great starting point.

For the Velvety Creamy Garlic Sauce

- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons will form the rich, flavourful base of our sauce.
- Garlic: We use 4-5 cloves, minced very finely. In our opinion, more is more when it comes to garlic, but feel free to tailor this to your taste!
- Double Cream: 250ml (around 1 cup) is essential for achieving that beautifully rich and creamy consistency.
- Chicken Stock: 60ml (around 1/4 cup) helps to loosen the sauce just enough while adding another layer of savoury flavour.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 50g of Parmesan, grated from a block if possible, adds a delightful salty and nutty depth as it melts.
- Fresh Parsley: A small, finely chopped handful brings a welcome touch of freshness and a vibrant splash of colour.

– Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed juice will cut through the creaminess and really make the flavours sing.

Our Step-by-Step Guide to a Perfect Dish

With all our ingredients gathered, we can now move on to the most exciting part. We’ve laid out the entire process in clear, manageable steps to ensure you get fantastic results every single time.

1. Marinating the Chicken

Place your chicken cubes into a medium-sized bowl. Add the olive oil, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix thoroughly, ensuring every cube of chicken is generously coated with the marinade. Using your hands is a great way to make sure it’s all worked in.
If you can, allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes at room temperature. For an even deeper flavour, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours.

2. Grilling the Chicken to Perfection

Begin by preheating your griddle pan or outdoor barbecue to a medium-high temperature. You can thread the chicken onto skewers or place the cubes directly onto the grill.
Brush the grill grates with a little oil to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick.
Grill the chicken for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to see some lovely char marks and be sure it’s cooked through. The internal temperature should be 74°C (165°F). For extra peace of mind on food safety, we find the guidance from the Food Standards Agency very helpful.
When it’s cooked, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a moment.

3. Crafting the Dreamy Creamy Garlic Sauce

As the chicken rests, we can make the sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over a medium heat.
Add your minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until its aroma fills the kitchen. Take care not to let it brown, as this can create a bitter taste.
Pour in the chicken stock and allow it to bubble for a minute to reduce a little.
Turn the heat down to low and gently whisk in the double cream. Let the sauce warm through for 2-3 minutes, but avoid bringing it to a rapid boil.
Add the grated Parmesan and stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is perfectly smooth.
To finish, stir through the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Have a little taste and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. This is the heart of our creamy sauce for chicken!

4. Combining Everything Beautifully

Transfer the grilled chicken bites from their resting plate straight into the saucepan containing the creamy garlic sauce.
Stir with care until every single piece of chicken is coated in the glorious sauce.
Let it all simmer together for one more minute, which allows the flavours to mingle perfectly.
Serve straight away, with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

Our Top Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken

We want to ensure your garlic chicken is nothing short of sensational. Here are some of our most trusted tips that we’ve gathered from making this dish countless times:

The Secret to Succulent Chicken: To get those perfectly juicy chicken bites, cook them quickly over a high heat. They don’t take long at all, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
Fresh is Always Best: While convenient, pre-prepared garlic and cheese can’t compare to fresh. Using freshly minced garlic and a block of Parmesan you grate yourself will elevate the sauce’s flavour immensely.
Mind the Heat: When preparing the sauce, a gentle heat is your best friend. If the cream gets too hot and boils, it can split, so keep it at a gentle simmer.
Consider Chicken Thighs: If you’re looking for an even more succulent and flavour-rich experience, try swapping the breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are naturally more moist and forgiving.

Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Bites

One of the things we adore about this recipe is its adaptability. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of side dishes, allowing you to craft a complete and hearty meal. Here are some of our favourite ways to serve it:

Pasta: Create a luxurious pasta dish by folding the chicken and sauce through freshly cooked fettuccine or penne. The pasta is the perfect vehicle for the sauce. If you adore chicken pasta dishes, you’ll have to try The Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe.
Rice: Serve it spooned over a bowl of steaming white or brown rice, which will soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans provides a healthy and delicious contrast.
Crusty Bread: We insist you don’t let any of that creamy garlic sauce go to waste! A piece of warm, crusty bread is essential for mopping your plate clean.
Mashed Potatoes: For a truly comforting meal, serve these chicken bites on a pillow of creamy mashed potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I use a frying pan?

Of course! If you don’t own a griddle pan or barbecue, a large frying pan works just as well. Heat a little olive oil in the pan over a medium-high heat, then cook the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked all the way through. You can even make the sauce in the same pan afterwards to incorporate all those flavourful browned bits.

How should I store and reheat any leftovers?

You can keep leftover grilled chicken bites with creamy garlic sauce in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. For reheating, we find it’s best to warm it slowly in a saucepan over a low heat. The sauce will have thickened in the fridge, so you might want to add a small splash of milk or chicken stock to bring it back to its original consistency.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can certainly adapt the recipe. Simply switch the butter for a dairy-free spread, and use a high-quality dairy-free cooking cream or full-fat coconut milk instead of double cream. For the cheesy element, you can find many dairy-free Parmesan alternatives, or use a little nutritional yeast for a similar flavour.

Is it alright to use frozen chicken?

It is, but it’s crucial that the chicken is fully defrosted before you start cooking. We also recommend patting the thawed chicken with paper towels to get it as dry as possible. This helps it to sear and brown beautifully instead of just steaming in the pan.

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Dinner Is Ready

And there we have it—our simple, flavour-packed, and wonderfully satisfying recipe for grilled chicken bites with a creamy garlic sauce. We’ve walked you through just how simple it is to take a handful of everyday ingredients and turn them into a meal worthy of a special occasion. This is the perfect quick dinner idea to have in your collection for those nights when you need something delicious without the fuss.

We genuinely hope you love preparing and savouring this dish as much as we always do. It’s a brilliant reminder that fantastic food doesn’t require complex methods or hours of your time.

Now, we’re handing it over to you! We would be delighted if you gave this recipe a go. Please feel free to leave a comment below to let us know how you got on, or even better, share a picture of your dish with us on social media. We always love to see your culinary creations!