Pin Recipe Get ready to fall in love with these juicy Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce, a bold flavor-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or protein-packed snacks. These chicken bites are tender, golden and kissed with smoky char, while the dreamy garlic dipping sauce adds a creamy tangy punch, tying everything together.
I first made these chicken bites as a quick fix during a busy weeknight. The combination of smoky grilled chicken and tangy garlic sauce had my whole family reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley: For garnish
- Mayonnaise: 1/3 cup
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic clove: 1, minced
- Lemon juice or vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: Pinch
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- Stir mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice (or vinegar) and pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
- Skewer the Chicken (Optional):
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving space between each piece.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4, 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
- Serve:
- Drizzle or dip into creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy.
Pin Recipe My kids love helping to thread the chicken onto skewers, and they always argue over who gets the last dipping sauce spoonful.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The garlic sauce keeps well chilled for several days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chicken bites as appetizers, over salad, or tucked into wraps for a quick meal. Pair with grilled veggies and rice for a hearty dinner.
Flavor Variations
Swap smoked paprika for chili powder for a spicy kick, or use lemon zest in the sauce for extra brightness.
Pin Recipe Bright tangy garlic sauce makes these grilled chicken bites hard to resist. Try them once and they might become your new weeknight favorite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure chicken stays juicy on the grill?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, then grill over medium-high heat, cooking just until golden and cooked through.
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast. Monitor grilling closely to prevent dryness, as breasts cook faster than thighs.
- → Is the garlic sauce spicy?
No, the sauce is creamy with mild garlic flavor. Add extra garlic or a pinch of chili flakes for more heat if desired.
- → Can I prepare the chicken bites in advance?
Marinate and skewer the chicken ahead of time. Grill just before serving, or cook and reheat gently to maintain tenderness.
- → What's a good alternative to grilling?
A stovetop grill pan or broiling in the oven works well. Cook until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.