Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

## **Instructions**

### 1. **Prepare the Chicken Bites**
Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces. Aim for chunks that are about 1-1.5 inches in size, so they cook evenly on the grill.

In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and dried oregano (or Italian seasoning). Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

### 2. **Grill the Chicken Bites**
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers (if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning) or place the chicken directly on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.

Once grilled, remove the chicken from the skewers and set aside. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes while you prepare the creamy garlic sauce.

### 3. **Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce**
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and golden (but not burnt).

Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more cream if necessary.

### 4. **Combine and Serve**
Place the grilled chicken bites on a serving platter. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken, or serve the sauce on the side as a dipping sauce.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal flavor. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.

### 5. **Enjoy!**
Serve your **Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce** immediately while everything is warm and flavorful. You’ll love how tender the chicken is, combined with the rich, garlicky sauce that elevates the dish to the next level.

## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

### **Quick and Easy:**
This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to cook. The chicken marinating process is fast, and grilling is one of the quickest cooking methods for chicken. The creamy garlic sauce comes together in just a few minutes, making this a 30-minute meal.

### **Flavorful:**
The combination of smoky grilled chicken and the rich, creamy garlic sauce is simply irresistible. The garlic sauce brings a luxurious richness to the dish, while the grilled chicken adds a smoky depth of flavor that balances perfectly with the creaminess.

### **Versatile:**
While this recipe is perfect on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve the chicken bites over pasta, on top of a salad, or even in a wrap. The creamy garlic sauce also pairs beautifully with vegetables, making it an easy addition to your favorite veggie sides.

### **Customizable:**
If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs, or opt for a lower-fat cream option like half-and-half or coconut milk. You can also add extra seasonings to the chicken marinade, such as cayenne pepper for heat or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma.

### **Crowd-Pleaser:**
This dish is perfect for entertaining! It’s easy to prepare in large quantities, and the creamy garlic sauce is always a hit with guests. Plus, it can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a larger spread.

## **Tips for the Perfect Grilled Chicken Bites**

– **Use a meat thermometer**: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F.
– **Don’t overcook the chicken**: Grilled chicken can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on the grill and avoid overcooking the chicken. Tender, juicy bites are the goal!
– **Customize the sauce**: If you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the sauce for an extra punch. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spice.
– **Serve with sides**: To round out the meal, serve the grilled chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. The creamy garlic sauce also makes a great dip for bread.

## **Final Thoughts**

**Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce** are the perfect combination of tender, smoky chicken and a luscious, savory sauce. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinners or your next dinner party. With minimal prep time and ingredients, it’s an easy way to elevate your usual chicken dinner and create something truly memorable.

Whether you enjoy the chicken bites as a main dish, appetizer, or even a fun finger food, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. The creamy garlic sauce alone is enough to make you crave this dish over and over again!