Grilled Chicken Bites Creamy Garlic (Printable version)
Tender grilled chicken bites topped with silky garlic-Parmesan cream. Ready in 30 minutes; gluten-free and low carb.
# What you need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Garlic Sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
09 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
# How To:
01 - Set a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and allow it to come to temperature.
02 - In a mixing bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
04 - Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred on the edges.
05 - While the chicken grills, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
06 - Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, whisking continuously until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
07 - Arrange the grilled chicken bites on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The garlic cream sauce is so good you will want to double the batch and put it on everything from pasta to crusty bread.
- It tastes like something you would order at a restaurant but comes together with pantry staples in half an hour.
- Since it is naturally low carb and gluten free you can serve it to almost anyone without a second thought.
02 -
- If you soak wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes they will not catch fire on the grill which is a lesson I learned the hard way with a very smoky surprise.
- Letting the chicken sit in the seasoning for even 15 minutes before grilling makes a noticeable difference in how deeply the flavor penetrates.
- The sauce thickens as it sits so if you are not serving immediately add a splash of cream and reheat gently.
03 -
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning because moisture is the enemy of a good sear and those char marks you are after.
- A tiny pinch of nutmeg in the cream sauce adds a warmth that most people cannot identify but everyone notices.