Let’s face it sometimes dinner just needs to be fast, simple, and ridiculously delicious. These Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are exactly that. We’re talking juicy little bites of chicken, grilled to perfection, then smothered in a silky, garlicky sauce that tastes like something from your favorite bistro.
And here’s the kicker: You can whip it all up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re working with a stovetop grill, the oven, or even experimenting with a slow cooker or Crockpot version (more on that below), this dish is wildly adaptable and even pickier eaters go back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Quick to prep, easy to cook
- Uses pantry staples you probably already have
- Creamy, garlicky goodness that pairs with just about anything
- Perfect over rice, pasta, or a low-carb veggie bowl
- Can be adapted for a slow cooker or a Crockpot creamy garlic chicken recipe
- Crowd-pleasing for weeknights, date nights, or meal prep
Honestly, if sauce had a fan club, this one would be president.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a huge grocery haul for this one. The ingredient list is refreshingly short but brings bold flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil: For grilling
- Salt and pepper: Because seasoning is everything
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for max flavor
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: For that dreamy texture
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated, because flavor
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional): For a pop of color and freshness
All exact amounts are listed in the printable recipe card at the end.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prep and Season
Cut your chicken into bite-sized cubes. Season well with salt and pepper. If you have time, let them sit for 10–15 minutes so the seasoning really settles in.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken bites in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
You can also use an outdoor grill if the weather’s nice or a stovetop grill pan to get those gorgeous charred edges.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Slowly pour in cream, whisking constantly. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, then stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the grilled chicken bites back into the pan and toss gently in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes.
Sprinkle with chopped herbs, and you’re done. Serve over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes or just dig in with a fork and call it a day.
Want to Make It in the Slow Cooker?
This totally works as a grilled chicken bites with creamy garlic sauce slow cooker version. Just skip the grilling step and toss seasoned chicken into the slow cooker with a little olive oil and garlic. Cook on LOW for 3 hours or HIGH for 1.5 hours. Stir in cream and cheese near the end.
For a Crockpot creamy garlic chicken recipe, use boneless thighs for extra richness and let them simmer until they fall apart in the sauce. No grill marks, but all the cozy comfort.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: <1g
Time Breakdown
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15–20 minutes
- Total time: ~30 minutes
Cooking Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan cook the chicken in batches for the best browning
- Use fresh garlic (not the jarred stuff) trust me, it makes a difference
- Heavy cream will give you the richest sauce, but half-and-half works in a pinch
- Want a thicker sauce? Let it simmer a minute longer before adding the chicken
- Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce
How to Serve and Store
These chicken bites are amazing served over:
- Rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Steamed veggies
- Or even stuffed into a warm pita with a sprinkle of fresh greens
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a little cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.
A Little Bite-Sized Backstory
This dish came about when I was craving Alfredo but didn’t want a heavy pasta night. I had some leftover grilled chicken and started playing around with cream, garlic, and cheese. The result? A sauce so good I now double the batch because we always run out.
My kids call it “the garlic butter chicken,” and I’m not correcting them. It’s accurate.
FAQs About Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs add even more flavor and stay juicy when grilled.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using a dairy-free butter and a coconut cream substitute, but it won’t be quite as rich.
Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes! Grill the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat both when you’re ready to eat.
Is it spicy?
Not at all. But if you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Can I freeze it?
Technically yes, but cream sauces can separate after freezing. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Does this work as a meal prep lunch?
Totally! Just portion into containers with rice or veggies. Add a splash of water before reheating.
What’s the best cheese to use besides Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano is a great substitute or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
Can I make this in the Crockpot?
Yes! Check the “slow cooker” section above for how to turn this into a grilled chicken bites with creamy garlic sauce Crockpot recipe.
Final Thoughts
These Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients, you get a cozy, flavor-packed meal that works whether you’re pan-searing, grilling, or going low-and-slow in your Crockpot.
Scroll down for the full printable recipe card with ingredients and step-by-step instructions
Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 8-inch cake pan
- Baking dish (for water bath)
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat
- 3 large eggs separated
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest optional
- 1/8 tsp salt for egg whites
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
- Separate the eggs. In one bowl, beat the egg yolks with yogurt, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Sift in the cornstarch and mix until fully incorporated and lump-free.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the yogurt mixture in three additions, taking care not to deflate the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Place it inside a larger pan filled halfway with hot water to create a water bath.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cake cool inside for 15 minutes before removing.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.