Description
Juicy, marinated grilled chicken bites served with a rich, tangy creamy garlic sauce. This quick, high-protein dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, game nights, or meal prep, and is easily customizable for different diets.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Chopped fresh chives or dill (optional garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional garnish)
- Warm pita bread or rice (optional side)
- Mixed greens for serving (optional side)
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add chicken cubes to marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F). Lightly oil grates or pan.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
- Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Transfer cooked chicken bites to a plate, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and parsley until smooth.
- Arrange grilled chicken bites on a platter. Serve with creamy garlic sauce for dipping or drizzling. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.
- If chicken browns too quickly, lower the heat. For extra smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to the sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or more lemon juice.
Notes
For juicier bites, use chicken thighs. Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before grilling. Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes but no more than 2 hours. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Sauce can be made ahead and chilled for deeper garlic flavor. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and vegan mayo. Chicken bites can be cooked on a broiler or roasted at 425°F for 15-18 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6 ounces chicken and 2 tablespoons sauce per serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 35
Keywords: grilled chicken bites, creamy garlic sauce, easy dinner, high protein, gluten free, meal prep, chicken skewers, quick dinner, summer grilling