Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This recipe delivers tender, flavorful grilled chicken bites paired with an irresistibly creamy garlic sauce that’s perfect for dipping. It’s great as an appetizer, salad topper, or main course!
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Yields: 3-4 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
· 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 tablespoon lemon juice
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ¼ teaspoon black pepper
· Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
· ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
· ¼ cup mayonnaise
· 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tablespoon lemon juice
· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
· 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
· 2-3 tablespoons milk or buttermilk (to reach desired consistency)
· Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- Prepare Sauce: While chicken marinates, make the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and Dijon mustard (if using). Whisk until smooth. Add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Skewer Chicken: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking. (Optional: you can also cook the chicken pieces directly on the grill without skewers using a grill basket).
- Grill Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C). Grill chicken skewers for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Chicken should have nice grill marks and be slightly charred at the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with the creamy garlic sauce for dipping.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Stovetop Method:
· Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches without overcrowding, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (8-10 minutes).
Oven Method:
· Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
· Appetizer: Serve skewers on a platter with sauce for dipping
· Salad: Slice chicken over a green salad with vegetables
· Rice Bowl: Serve over rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables
· Wrap: Fill pita or flatbread with chicken, sauce, and fresh vegetables
· Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta and extra sauce for a creamy chicken pasta dish
Tips for Success
· Don’t overcrowd skewers – leave space between pieces for even cooking
· Pat chicken dry before marinating for better browning
· Let chicken come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before grilling
· Don’t overcook – check temperature with a meat thermometer
· Make sauce ahead – flavors develop better when made a few hours in advance
· Customize heat – add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for spicier chicken
Variations
· Lemon Herb: Add more lemon zest and fresh herbs like dill or thyme to both chicken and sauce
· Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to marinade and a dash of hot sauce to the dipping sauce
· Mediterranean: Add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the sauce
· Avocado Lime: Blend half an avocado and lime juice into the sauce for a creamy twist
Enjoy these flavorful grilled chicken bites with the cool, creamy garlic sauce – they’re sure to become a favorite!