Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce

These grilled chicken bites with creamy garlic sauce deliver restaurant-quality flavor in a simple weeknight package. Tender, juicy chicken pieces get a perfect char on the grill before being paired with a rich, velvety garlic sauce that elevates every bite. This recipe transforms basic chicken breast into an irresistible appetizer or main course that’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken bites. Pat chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Add chicken cubes and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 5 minutes while preparing the grill.
2. Heat the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Make the creamy garlic sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Fold in chives and parsley, then season with salt and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Thread the chicken. Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto metal skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking. You should have 6-8 skewers depending on size.
5. Grill the chicken bites. Place skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken develops nice grill marks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Total cooking time should be 8-10 minutes.
6. Check for doneness. Cut into the largest piece to ensure chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining. The exterior should be golden brown with visible grill marks, while the interior stays juicy and tender.
7. Rest and serve. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 2 minutes. Carefully slide chicken bites off skewers onto a serving platter. Serve immediately with the creamy garlic sauce alongside for dipping.

Tips for Success

Perfect Grill Marks: Resist the urge to move the chicken too early. Let each side develop a golden crust for exactly 2-3 minutes before turning.

Even Cooking: Cut chicken pieces as uniformly as possible. Pieces that are too large will be dry on the outside before cooking through, while pieces that are too small will overcook quickly.

Sauce Consistency: If your creamy garlic sauce seems too thick, thin it with an extra teaspoon of lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon more mayonnaise.

Make-Ahead Option: The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve with time.

Recipe Variations

Mediterranean Style: Replace oregano with dried basil and add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar to the marinade. Serve with tzatziki instead of the creamy garlic sauce.

Spicy Version: Double the cayenne pepper and add 1 teaspoon hot sauce to both the chicken marinade and the creamy garlic sauce.

Herb-Crusted: Add 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary and thyme to the chicken seasoning for an aromatic herb crust.

Asian-Inspired: Replace the seasonings with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon ginger powder. Serve with a sriracha-mayo dipping sauce.

Storage Instructions

Cooked grilled chicken bites will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The creamy garlic sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days refrigerated.

For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately and combine just before serving. Reheat chicken gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain tenderness.

These chicken bites also freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.

Nutritional Highlights

Each serving of grilled chicken bites provides approximately 35 grams of lean protein while remaining relatively low in carbohydrates. Grilling keeps the fat content moderate, and using Greek yogurt in place of half the sour cream can reduce calories further without sacrificing creaminess.

The fresh herbs in the creamy garlic sauce contribute antioxidants and vitamins, while the garlic provides immune-supporting compounds.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile grilled chicken bites with creamy garlic sauce work beautifully as an appetizer for parties, served alongside fresh vegetables and crackers. For a complete meal, pair with grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a crisp garden salad.

Try threading the cooked chicken onto slider buns with lettuce and tomato for mini sandwiches, or toss with pasta and additional sauce for a quick dinner. The smoky flavor also complements summer sides like corn salad, coleslaw, or grilled zucchini perfectly.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight protein option, this recipe delivers consistent results that will have everyone asking for seconds.