Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Chicken is a staple protein in most households, and the versatility of this ingredient makes it a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike. Whether it’s grilled, roasted, baked, or fried, chicken can be prepared in countless ways to suit various tastes and dietary needs. One of the most satisfying ways to enjoy chicken is by grilling it to tender perfection, paired with a delicious creamy garlic sauce that brings richness and a burst of flavor.

This recipe for Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even serving at a dinner party. With the succulent char from the grill, juicy chicken bites are complemented by a velvety, garlicky sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Here’s how to create this mouthwatering dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Bites

Start by preparing the chicken for grilling. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative if you prefer a slightly richer, juicier option. Thighs will give you a little more leeway for grilling, as they’re less prone to drying out compared to chicken breasts.

1. Cutting the Chicken:
   Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-1.5 inches in size. This allows for quicker cooking on the grill and ensures an even char on each piece. If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them against the grain to avoid toughness.

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2. Marinating the Chicken:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and oregano (or thyme). Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.

3. Marination Time:
   For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, although 30 minutes to 1 hour would be ideal for a deeper flavor. You can also marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge for a more intense taste. If you’re short on time, even a 10-minute marination will still work well.

Step 2: Grilling the Chicken Bites

Grilling the chicken bites gives them a smoky, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. You can use an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan, or an indoor electric grill. Each method will work great, but outdoor grilling adds an extra layer of flavor that you can’t beat.

1. Preheat the Grill:
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using an outdoor grill, oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in a bit of vegetable oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

2. Grilling the Chicken:
   Once the grill is hot, place the chicken pieces on the grill. Cook the chicken bites for about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on their size and thickness. Be sure to turn the chicken only once to get those perfect grill marks. For smaller pieces, the grilling time may be closer to 3 minutes, while larger pieces may need a bit more time.

3. Checking for Doneness:
   The chicken should be golden brown with grill marks on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You can check for doneness by using a meat thermometer (165°F or 74°C for poultry) or cutting open a piece of chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink.

4. Resting the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Step 3: Preparing the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is grilling, it’s a great time to prepare the creamy garlic sauce. This sauce is rich and full of flavor, with a perfect balance of tangy, garlicky, and creamy notes.

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

2. Seasoning:
   Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add salt and pepper to taste, and you can also add extra garlic or lemon juice if you want a stronger flavor. If you like a more intense mustard kick, a bit more Dijon can be added.

3. Chill the Sauce:
   For best results, let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have more time, you can even make the sauce ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge for several hours.

Step 4: Assembling and Serving

Once your grilled chicken bites are done and the creamy garlic sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish.

1. Serve the Chicken:
   Arrange the grilled chicken bites on a serving platter. You can serve them as-is or drizzle them lightly with some of the creamy garlic sauce.

2. Garnish:
   For added flavor and color, garnish the chicken bites with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. The herbs will brighten up the dish and add an extra layer of freshness.

3. Serve with Extra Sauce:
   Offer the remaining creamy garlic sauce on the side for dipping. This will let everyone enjoy as much of the delicious sauce as they like.

4. Side Dishes (Optional):
   Grilled chicken bites with creamy garlic sauce are great on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of side dishes for a well-rounded meal. Some excellent options include:

   • Roasted vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)
   • Steamed rice or quinoa
   • A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
   • Grilled corn on the cob
   • Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the sauce

Tips and Variations

• For Extra Flavor:
  Marinate the chicken overnight for a deeper flavor. You can also add some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the marinade to elevate the taste.

• Using Chicken Thighs:
  If you choose to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, you may need to increase the grilling time by a couple of minutes, as thighs are generally thicker and require more time to cook through.

• Make It Spicy:
  Add a bit of heat to the grilled chicken bites by incorporating red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the marinade. Alternatively, you can mix a bit of sriracha, hot sauce, or chili paste into the creamy garlic sauce to give it a spicy kick.

• Lower Fat Version:
  For a lighter, healthier version of the creamy garlic sauce, swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt or reduce the amount of sour cream. You can also use low-fat versions of both for fewer calories.

• Make it a Meal Prep:
  This dish is perfect for meal prep. Simply grill the chicken bites, divide them into meal containers, and store them in the fridge. The creamy garlic sauce can be stored in a separate container, and both will keep well for 3-4 days. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop.

• Add Some Veggies:
  To turn this into a more complete dish, consider grilling some vegetables alongside the chicken. Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms work great on the grill and pair beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.

• Alternative Sauces:
  If you’re not a fan of creamy garlic sauce, consider making a tangy tzatziki sauce, a smoky chipotle mayo, or a honey mustard dressing to serve with the grilled chicken bites.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce is an easy, flavorful dish that will become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. With tender, juicy chicken and a rich, garlicky sauce, this meal is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests at a special event, this recipe is versatile, satisfying, and sure to impress.

By using simple ingredients, easy grilling techniques, and a smooth, flavorful sauce, you can create a dish that rivals restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the balanced flavors, and feel free to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different herbs, spices, and sauces!

Yield: 4

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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Chicken is a staple protein in most households, and the versatility of this ingredient makes it a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike. Whether it’s grilled, roasted, baked, or fried, chicken can be prepared in countless ways to suit various tastes and dietary needs. One of the most satisfying ways to enjoy chicken is by grilling it to tender perfection, paired with a delicious creamy garlic sauce that brings richness and a burst of flavor.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Grilled Chicken Bites:
• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
• For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

For the Grilled Chicken Bites:

1. Marinate the Chicken (optional): In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour if you prefer a more flavorful result).
2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Skewer the chicken pieces if desired, or cook them directly on the grill. Grill the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the heat.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Serving:

• Serve the grilled chicken bites with the creamy garlic sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

• Chicken Alternatives: You can use chicken thighs or breast. Chicken thighs will be juicier but may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Grill Alternatives: If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the chicken bites in a skillet or oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.