Name: Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Golden-crisped chicken bites smothered in a silky garlic cream sauce—this dish is an indulgent delight that comes together with ease. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing dinner guests, this recipe hits every comforting note. The chicken is marinated for extra flavor, grilled to juicy perfection, and finished with a luscious sauce that’s velvety, garlicky, and just a touch herby.

It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular night into something a little more special. The chicken bites are perfect on their own or served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness. With just a few pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip this up without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites

Full of Flavor: Each bite is a harmony of garlic, cream, herbs, and smoky char.
Versatile: Serve with pasta, rice, veggies, or even tucked into wraps.
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and simple cooking steps make this weeknight friendly.
Family Approved: Both kids and adults rave about the creamy, garlicky deliciousness.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To nail this recipe with ease and elegance, having the right tools on hand is key:

Grill Pan or Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for achieving that perfect char and grill marks.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For cleanly cutting chicken into uniform bite-size pieces.
Mixing Bowls: One for marinating and one for sauce prep keeps everything tidy.
Garlic Press or Microplane: Helps extract maximum flavor from your garlic.
Whisk: Vital for blending the sauce until smooth and creamy.

Investing in these basic tools ensures even cooking, consistent results, and a more enjoyable prep experience.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites

Chicken Breast or Thighs: Juicy and tender when grilled, the base of your bites.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps in marination and grilling.
Garlic Cloves: The star ingredient—adds depth and warmth to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Provides the creamy texture that makes the sauce luscious.
Chicken Broth: Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty umami richness and thickness to the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: Balances the garlic with a blend of herbs.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to round out the flavors.
Fresh Parsley: A fresh garnish that brightens each bite.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine bite-size pieces of chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes to soak in all the flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Grill until golden brown with charred edges and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt a bit of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Then add heavy cream and Parmesan, whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Toss the grilled chicken into the sauce. Stir to coat evenly and let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors marry.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair with your favorite side or serve in a bowl for dipping.

Best Ways to Serve and Store This Dish

Serve these creamy garlic chicken bites hot off the skillet for maximum flavor. They’re perfect over buttery mashed potatoes, herbed rice, creamy polenta, or even crusty bread to mop up the sauce. For a low-carb option, try pairing with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

You can also freeze the grilled chicken separately and whip up fresh sauce when you’re ready to serve again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute for a creamy, flavorful twist.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. While grilled chicken gives the best texture and char, pre-cooked chicken works well in a pinch—just add it to the sauce and heat through.