Grilled Chicken Bites With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Tangy Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden grilled chicken bites dance with a luscious creamy garlic sauce that promises pure delight.

Juicy morsels of tender meat soak up robust flavors during marination.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Small cubes of chicken become irresistible when kissed by grill flames.

Aromatic garlic weaves its magic into each succulent bite, creating an unforgettable experience.

Minimal ingredients combine to deliver maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a quick, delectable meal.

Prepare to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Savor Quick Protein Delight: Chicken bites deliver a speedy protein punch perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
  • Customize Flavor Adventure: Adjustable spice levels with cayenne pepper allow personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for mild or bold palates.
  • Master Grill Skills Easily: Simple grilling technique helps home cooks improve barbecue techniques without complex methods, creating restaurant-quality results.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: These bite-sized morsels work beautifully as appetizers, game day snacks, or casual dinner options that appeal to both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Bites

For the Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender cubes of white meat that serve as the main protein for this grilled dish.
For the Seasoning for Chicken:
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat the chicken and promotes even browning.
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Adds warm, spicy, and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Provides a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
  • Garlic, Parsley: Adds fresh and zesty flavor to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the creamy sauce.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Seasons the sauce and rounds out its flavor profile.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites with Sauce

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Cubes

Grab your chicken and slice it into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with:
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper (optional for extra kick)

Ensure each chicken piece gets coated thoroughly with the seasoning mix.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Place chicken cubes directly on the grill.

Step 3: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Grill the chicken cubes for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.

Watch for golden brown edges and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The meat should look juicy and have beautiful char marks.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine and whisk together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh minced garlic
  • Chopped parsley
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend until the sauce looks smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Transfer grilled chicken bites to a serving platter.

Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Tips to Perfect Grilled Chicken Bites

  • Let chicken sit in spices for 15-30 minutes before grilling to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • Use metal skewers or a grill basket to prevent chicken pieces from falling through grates and ensure even cooking.
  • Chill sauce for 15 minutes before serving to help it thicken and develop richer flavors.
  • Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your heat tolerance, from a pinch for mild to a full shake for extra kick.

Variations on Grilled Chicken Bites to Try

  • Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Bites: Replace paprika with za'atar spice blend, add red pepper flakes, and serve with tzatziki sauce instead of creamy garlic sauce.
  • Asian-Inspired Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Grill and drizzle with sriracha-honey glaze for extra kick.
  • Low-Carb Keto Chicken Bites: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil, swap mayonnaise with full-fat Greek yogurt, and garnish with fresh chives for added flavor.
  • Buffalo-Style Chicken Bites: Coat grilled chicken with buffalo sauce after cooking, serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.

Pairings to Serve with Grilled Chicken Bites

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the zesty garlic sauce and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
  • Match with Herbal Mojito: A refreshing mint mojito balances the spicy paprika and cayenne pepper notes, providing a cool contrast to the grilled chicken.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetable Salad: A light Mediterranean-style salad with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and a lemon vinaigrette enhances the grilled chicken's flavors and adds nutritional balance.
  • Add Creamy Potato Wedges: Herb-seasoned potato wedges with a similar garlic cream dip create a harmonious side that echoes the main dish's creamy sauce.

Proper Storage for Grilled Chicken Bites

  • Store leftover chicken bites and sauce separately in airtight containers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place cooled chicken bites in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap sauce in a separate container to prevent sogginess.
  • Warm chicken bites in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness. Heat sauce separately to maintain its creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I make these chicken bites in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the chicken bites at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking and golden browning.

  • How spicy are these chicken bites?

The recipe uses a small amount of cayenne pepper, which adds a mild heat. You can adjust or omit the cayenne to control the spice level according to your preference.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The chicken bites and sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick meals or snacks.

  • What can I do if I don't have sour cream for the sauce?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor in the garlic sauce.

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Grilled Chicken Bites With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Grilled Chicken Bites With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent grilled chicken bites dance with zesty garlic sauce, creating a Mediterranean-inspired flavor explosion. Crispy exterior and juicy interior promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Creamy Garlic Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) sour cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken cubes with olive oil and spices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne for enhanced flavor complexity.
  2. Preheat grill to medium heat (around 375°F), creating optimal temperature for even cooking and caramelization.
  3. Carefully place marinated chicken cubes on grill grates, rotating every 2-3 minutes to achieve golden-brown exterior and prevent charring.
  4. Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete doneness and juicy texture.
  5. While chicken grills, prepare creamy garlic sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly minced garlic, chopped parsley, tangy lemon juice, and seasoning until silky smooth.
  6. Transfer perfectly grilled chicken bites to elegant serving platter, positioning pieces for attractive presentation.
  7. Generously drizzle creamy garlic sauce over warm chicken, allowing sauce to cascade and enhance overall dish flavor profile.
  8. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for visual appeal and subtle herbaceous note, serving immediately for maximum taste and temperature enjoyment.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for uniform, quick-cooking pieces that absorb marinade evenly.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure safe, stable chicken cubes.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a perfect golden-brown exterior during grilling.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference, starting with a small amount for mild spice or increasing for bolder flavors.
  • Use fresh garlic for the sauce to enhance the robust, aromatic profile compared to pre-minced alternatives.
  • Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain crispness and prevent soggy texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and use avocado oil for marinading.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 269 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 283 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 53 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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