Description
Juicy grilled chicken bites marinated for tenderness and served with a rich, tangy, and garlicky creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep, this recipe is quick, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional: 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine chicken pieces, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and dried oregano (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Toss until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with a teaspoon of water or more lemon juice if needed.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken pieces directly on the grill or thread onto skewers. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown with grill marks and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Transfer cooked chicken bites to a plate and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange chicken bites on a platter and serve with creamy garlic sauce for dipping or drizzling. Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Marinate for at least 15 minutes for best flavor and tenderness. Don’t overcrowd the grill or pan—space the bites for proper searing. Prep the sauce while the chicken marinates to save time. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and vegan mayo. Chicken thighs are juicier than breasts. Adjust herbs and spices to taste. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 6 oz chicken and 2 tbsp sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 30
Keywords: grilled chicken bites, creamy garlic sauce, easy dinner, high protein, low carb, gluten free, meal prep, party food, chicken recipe, summer grilling