Description
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites, a quick dinner idea that combines the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or even meal prep, this easy recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for new dinner ideas, protein-packed food ideas, or an easy way to elevate your chicken game, this dish has you covered. Pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal!
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Red pepper flakes optional
Fresh thyme or basil optional
Instructions
1. Combine chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well. Let marinate for at least 15–20 minutes.
2. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
3. Grill chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked and lightly charred. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
6. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
7. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer.
8. If needed, add cornstarch mixed with water and simmer until the sauce thickens.
9. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Add grilled chicken bites to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
11. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes to heat through.
12. Garnish with parsley and optional herbs or chili flakes before serving.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite.
Don’t skip the deglazing step—it adds incredible depth to the sauce.
Reheat gently and add cream to revive the sauce without breaking it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, grilled chicken bites, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe