I’m so glad you’ve landed here, because today’s recipe is one that brings me real joy to share. If you’re a fan of comforting flavors, easy prep, and restaurant-worthy taste at home, then this Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites is about to become your new go-to. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes. And the creamy garlic sauce? Oh wow — it’s everything.
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites
This dish is a weeknight savior and a weekend star. You get juicy, golden grilled chicken bites paired with a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce that coats every piece in flavor. It’s cozy and satisfying without being too heavy, and it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or just a side of crusty bread to soak up every drop!
What’s in a Name? Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Goodness
- Flavor profile: The grilled chicken adds a charred, smoky depth that balances beautifully with the buttery garlic and creamy base.
- Texture: Tender chunks of chicken meet a smooth, luscious sauce — it’s a spoon-licking situation!
- Simplicity: No long marinades or complicated techniques. It’s all about building layers of flavor quickly and easily.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple – ready in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor.
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved.
- One pan for the sauce = fewer dishes!
- Perfect for meal prep or casual entertaining.
Description of the Taste
Imagine juicy chicken bites seared until golden, then bathed in a silky, garlicky cream sauce with hints of parmesan, a touch of Italian seasoning, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. It’s like Alfredo’s bold, flavorful cousin — warming, deeply savory, and utterly addictive.
Benefits of This Recipe
- High in protein thanks to the grilled chicken.
- Can be made low-carb or keto friendly.
- The sauce is gluten-free when thickened with cornstarch or arrowroot.
- Customizable with veggies or spices.
- Pairs well with a wide range of sides for flexible serving.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or fork for turning the chicken
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Swap cream: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
- Add veggies: Try mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers.
- Make it dairy-free: Sub coconut cream and vegan parmesan.
- Use thighs instead: Chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay juicy.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant — about 1 minute (don’t let it burn!). Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken bites to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Plate up over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with a warm hunk of bread. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites
- Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
- Garlic butter rice or lemony couscous
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne are perfect)
- Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans
- A crisp green salad for balance
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Bites
- Cut chicken evenly so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or your chicken will steam instead of sear.
- Use freshly grated parmesan — it melts better and has superior flavor.
- Deglaze with a splash of broth or white wine if your pan has stuck bits; they add great depth to the sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce (separately or together) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
General Information
This recipe is naturally gluten-free (just check your cheese and spices), and it fits well into low-carb and keto lifestyles. It’s a fantastic base recipe for customizing with your favorite veggies, spices, or even protein swaps like shrimp or tofu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken works well. Just heat it in the sauce long enough to absorb flavor and warm through.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently and stir well before serving.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes — use coconut cream or cashew cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly creamy garlic sauce.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for an easy weeknight dinner that delivers on both flavor and comfort, this Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites is the answer. It’s warm, rich, and packed with savory garlic goodness — but still simple enough to whip up in no time. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Let this be the beginning of your creamy sauce adventures! 💛
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowl – Sweet, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. A total bowl of comfort!
- Baked Boursin Salmon – Creamy, Flavorful & Perfectly Baked – Rich, herb-packed salmon that basically melts in your mouth.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites – Save and share this one to your dinner rotation!
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites – Easy & Delicious
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Tuscan Scallops are a restaurant-worthy dinner you can make at home in under 30 minutes! With seared golden scallops nestled in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, this dish is bursting with bold Tuscan flavor. Whether you’re craving Scallop Florentine recipes, scallop and spinach recipes, or elegant scallop meal ideas, this one checks every box. Perfect for date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself midweek!
Ingredients
For the Scallops:
-
1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
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1½ cups heavy cream
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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2 cups baby spinach
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
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Prep the Scallops: Pat scallops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Sear the Scallops: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Sear scallops 2–3 minutes per side until golden and opaque. Remove and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1 minute.
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Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add Spinach: Stir in spinach and let wilt. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Combine and Serve: Return scallops to the pan and spoon sauce over top. Serve hot with pasta, couscous, or crusty bread.
Notes
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Make sure scallops are very dry before searing — this helps get that golden crust!
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Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a twist.
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Add a splash of white wine before the cream for even more depth of flavor.
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Serve with linguine, risotto, or couscous for a full Tuscan experience.
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Looking for Scallop Salad Recipes Healthy? Serve these scallops over arugula with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Scallops