Creamy Grilled Chicken Bites are one of those recipes I turn to when I want something that feels a little fancy but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. I still remember the first time I made them. I had leftover grilled chicken from the weekend and decided to toss it in a garlicky cream sauce, just to experiment. One bite in, and I was hooked.
Since then, I’ve played with the marinade, adjusted the garlic, and tested every side dish pairing you can think of. What I love most is how these chicken bites balance rich, creamy comfort with the smoky depth of the grill. It’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to casual dinner parties.
And if you’re like me someone who loves food that’s cozy, satisfying, and easy to adapt this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Pair these chicken bites with a bowl of Cherry Tomato Boursin Pasta Bake for a cozy, creamy dinner that’s ready in no time.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Creamy Grilled Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Creamy Grilled Chicken Bites are juicy, smoky, and smothered in a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
½ tsp lemon zest
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
Add the chicken bites and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease it.
Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer.
Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in lemon zest, salt, and black pepper for flavor balance.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Add the grilled chicken bites into the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Let them simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
· For extra richness, add ½ tsp Dijon mustard to the sauce.
· Substitute Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
· Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients Needed For Creamy Grilled Chicken Bites
Before we start, let’s gather all the essential ingredients for both the chicken marinade and the creamy garlic sauce.
For the Chicken Bites
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) | 2 lbs (900g) | The base of the dish |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Helps lock in moisture and flavor |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | Tenderizes the chicken and adds freshness |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Enhances the garlicky taste |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Adds a smoky depth of flavor |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Brings out the natural flavors |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Adds mild heat and balance |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp | Boosts the savory flavor |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp | Adds a touch of spice |
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Forms the base of the sauce |
| Garlic (minced) | 5 cloves | Adds bold, aromatic flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Makes the sauce rich and creamy |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup | Enhances flavor and thickens the sauce |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | Adds depth and balances the sauce |
| Lemon zest | ½ tsp | Brightens up the flavors |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances the taste |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Adds a hint of spice |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp | For garnish and freshness |
Step-by-Step Instructions For making the best Creamy Grilled Chicken Bites
Now that we have everything ready, let’s start cooking!
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
A good marinade is key to keeping the chicken juicy and packed with flavor.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss everything together until fully coated.
- Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Grilling the Chicken to Perfection
Now it’s time to grill the chicken bites and get that delicious smoky flavor!
Love creamy dinners like this one? You’ll also enjoy the Boursin Baked Tomato Pasta it’s one of my easiest go-to comfort recipes.

Grilling on a Stovetop (Using a Grill Pan)
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it with a little oil.
- Arrange the marinated chicken bites in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan).
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Check for doneness by cutting one piece open or using a meat thermometer (it should reach 165°F (75°C)).
- Once done, transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Grilling on an Outdoor Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F or 190-200°C).
- Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers (optional but makes grilling easier).
- Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from heat when the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Step 3: Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Now for the star of the show the rich, creamy, garlicky sauce!
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
- Stir in lemon zest, salt, and black pepper for a touch of brightness.
Step 4: Combining the Chicken and Sauce
Now for the fun part bringing everything together!
- Add the grilled chicken bites directly into the sauce and toss to coat.
- Let the chicken simmer for 1-2 minutes in the sauce to absorb all that garlicky goodness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them, for Perfect Creamy Grilled Chicken Bites
Even experienced cooks can make mistakes, so here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Overcooking or Undercooking the Chicken
- Solution: Always use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) internal temperature.
2. Too Strong or Too Weak Garlic Flavor
- Solution: If the garlic is too strong, sauté it longer to mellow it out. If it’s too weak, add a little more minced garlic near the end.
3. Sauce Too Thick or Too Thin
- Solution: Adjust with chicken broth (to thin) or extra Parmesan (to thicken).
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These grilled chicken bites are already packed with flavor, but pairing them with the right side dishes can take them to a whole new level!

1. Best Side Dishes to Serve with Creamy Grilled Chicken Bites
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Butter Rice | The rich, buttery rice soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. |
| Roasted Vegetables | A mix of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus adds texture and balance. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes complement the velvety garlic sauce. |
| Grilled Asparagus | Adds a crisp, smoky contrast to the creamy chicken. |
| Pasta (Linguine or Penne) | Helps make the dish more filling while absorbing the sauce. |
| Crispy Garlic Bread | Perfect for scooping up extra sauce and adding a crunchy element. |
Or keep the cozy vibes going with this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Butter Chicken. It’s sweet, savory, and effortless.
Healthy Alternatives and Dietary Adjustments
Want to make this dish lighter or fit specific dietary needs? No worries! Here are some easy modifications:
1. Low-Fat or Dairy-Free Garlic Sauce
Instead of heavy cream and butter, try these healthier swaps:
| Regular Ingredient | Healthy Alternative |
|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | Greek yogurt or coconut milk |
| Butter | Olive oil or ghee |
| Parmesan Cheese | Nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) |
2. Keto and Low-Carb Adjustments
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, here’s how to tweak the recipe:
- Skip the flour-based sauces – This recipe is already low in carbs, but make sure to use full-fat dairy and no sugar.
- Pair it with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or grilled veggies instead of mashed potatoes or bread.
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for an extra boost of healthy fats.
Conclusion: Make Creamy Grilled Chicken Bites Your New Weeknight Staple
If you’re craving comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these Creamy Grilled Chicken Bites are calling your name. They’re juicy, loaded with garlicky goodness, and come together in just four simple steps.
I’ve made this for weeknight dinners, lazy Sundays, and even meal prep and it never disappoints. So grab your pan, fire up the grill, and let’s make dinner magic with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Looking for more sweet inspiration?
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Grilled Chicken Bites
What are creamy grilled chicken bites made of?
They’re made of marinated grilled chicken pieces tossed in a homemade garlic cream sauce made from butter, cream, Parmesan, and fresh garlic.
Can I make creamy grilled chicken bites without a grill?
Yes! You can use a stovetop grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even bake the chicken in the oven before mixing it with the creamy sauce.
What’s the best way to keep grilled chicken moist?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F and rest it before slicing.
Can I make creamy grilled chicken bites ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
What do you serve with creamy grilled chicken bites?
Garlic butter rice, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or pasta all pair beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.
