These grilled chicken bites are juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor, served with a rich and tangy creamy garlic sauce that takes things to the next level. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, summer grilling, or serving as an easy appetizer, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. The chicken is seasoned with a smoky spice blend and grilled until perfectly charred on the outside and tender inside. It’s then paired with a garlicky, herby sauce that’s creamy and fresh, making each bite irresistible.
Whether you’re throwing together a casual family meal or prepping a dish to impress your guests, this is one of those recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Serve it over rice, in wraps, or alongside roasted veggies for a full and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Set it aside while you prepare the grill.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken cubes on the grill in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown with nice grill marks and cooked through. Depending on your grill, you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
To serve, arrange the grilled chicken bites on a platter and generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier results. They’re slightly more forgiving on the grill and pack more flavor
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. It’ll still be creamy with a bit of added tang
Don’t skip the lemon juice in the sauce—it balances the richness and brightens up the flavor
If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can cook the chicken bites in a hot skillet on the stovetop with great results
This dish is great for meal prep—just store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge and reheat as needed
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What should I serve with these chicken bites?
They pair beautifully with rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or in a wrap with some crunchy lettuce and sliced tomatoes. You can also serve them as a party appetizer with toothpicks and a side of sauce for dipping.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), spread the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and bake for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly so. The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted to your taste. If you like more kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken bites?
Yes, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
These grilled chicken bites are juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor, served with a rich and tangy creamy garlic sauce that takes things to the next level. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, summer grilling, or serving as an easy appetizer, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. The chicken is seasoned with a smoky spice blend and grilled until perfectly charred on the outside and tender inside. It’s then paired with a garlicky, herby sauce that’s creamy and fresh, making each bite irresistible.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Set it aside while you prepare the grill.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken cubes on the grill in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown with nice grill marks and cooked through. Depending on your grill, you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier results. They’re slightly more forgiving on the grill and pack more flavor
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. It’ll still be creamy with a bit of added tang
Don’t skip the lemon juice in the sauce—it balances the richness and brightens up the flavor
If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can cook the chicken bites in a hot skillet on the stovetop with great results
This dish is great for meal prep—just store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge and reheat as needed