Description
Juicy grilled chicken bites are tossed in a luscious garlic cream sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers restaurant-level flavor in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish, optional)
- Extra Parmesan for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Add chicken pieces to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat. Let it sit while you prep the sauce, or marinate up to 30 minutes in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Thread chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers or use tongs to place them directly on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until lightly charred and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- While chicken grills, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir, then bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Whisk until sauce thickens (about 4-5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange grilled chicken bites on a platter. Spoon warm garlic cream sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan butter. Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts. Sauce is best made fresh but can be reheated gently. Use a thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken. Don’t burn the garlic—sauté just until fragrant. Let chicken rest 3-4 minutes after grilling for juicier bites. If you don’t have a grill, use a cast iron skillet or roast in the oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 ounces chicken with sauce per serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Protein: 36
Keywords: grilled chicken, creamy garlic sauce, easy dinner, chicken bites, weeknight meal, comfort food, gluten-free, dairy-free option