Description
Smoky, juicy grilled chicken bites swirled in a rich, velvety creamy garlic sauce — a fast, flavor-packed main you can whip up any night. Perfect for busy weeknights or low‑stress entertaining; pairs with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, creamy garlic sauce, grilled chicken, weeknight dinner ideas, 30‑minute meal, gluten‑free friendly, skillet recipe, family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite‑size pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp fine salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp lemon juice
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Season chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; toss to coat.
2. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium‑high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred; set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic; sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in heavy cream; reduce heat to medium‑low and simmer 2–3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth, then add lemon juice; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add grilled chicken to the skillet; toss to coat and simmer 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot with pasta, rice, potatoes, or bread.
Notes
Use freshly minced garlic for the boldest flavor; roasted garlic gives a sweeter, mellow profile.
Shred Parmesan fresh — pre‑shredded cheeses can make sauces grainy.
Keep heat medium‑low when adding cheese to prevent breaking or curdling.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 540
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 29
- Cholesterol: 140
Keywords: quick dinner, easy dinner, creamy garlic sauce, grilled chicken, weeknight dinner ideas, 30-minute meal, gluten-free, high protein, skillet recipe, pasta sauce, family dinner