Of course! This is a fantastic combination. Tender, flavorful grilled chicken paired with a rich, tangy, and garlicky sauce is always a crowd-pleaser.
Here is a complete recipe for Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce, including tips for the most juicy chicken and a perfectly balanced sauce.
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This recipe breaks down into two easy parts: marinating and grilling the chicken, and whipping up the simple no-cook sauce.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken Bites:
· 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 tablespoon lemon juice
· 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is excellent here)
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
· 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
· 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
· 3/4 teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
· 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
· 1/4 cup mayonnaise
· 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed (adjust to your taste)
· 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
· 1-2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk (to reach desired consistency)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving (Optional):
· Lemon wedges
· Fresh chopped parsley
· Veggie sticks (celery, carrots)
· Pita bread or crusty bread
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed chicken pieces and toss until they are evenly coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Whisk until smooth. Add a tablespoon of milk to thin the sauce to your preferred dipping consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld while you cook the chicken.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Thread the marinated chicken bites onto skewers if desired (this makes flipping easier). If not, you can cook them directly on the grill grates.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Serve
- Arrange the grilled chicken bites on a platter.
- Serve immediately with the chilled creamy garlic sauce for dipping, along with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips for Success & Variations
· Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Cook them just until they reach 165°F. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier.
· Soak Your Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
· Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce (like a spread), omit the milk. For a drizzling sauce, add a little more milk.
· Kick it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy garlic sauce for a little heat.
· Herb Variations: Try adding fresh dill or chives to the sauce for a different flavor profile.
· Air Fryer Method: You can make the chicken bites in an air fryer! Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until cooked through.
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce! It’s perfect for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or meal prep for the week.