Go Back
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream To make delicious creamy garlic chicken bites, you start with fresh chicken breast. Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Next, use olive oil for sautéing. It adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Garlic is a key player here. It brings a strong, rich taste that pairs perfectly with the cream. Lastly, heavy cream makes this dish creamy and rich. - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped - Salt and pepper, to taste Now, let’s talk about seasonings. Dried Italian herbs give the dish a nice blend of flavors. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty taste and helps thicken the sauce. Spinach is a great add-in. It cooks down quickly and adds nutrition. Always season with salt and pepper to taste. They help enhance all the flavors in your dish. - Fresh parsley, chopped For a bright finish, chop fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness to your creamy garlic chicken bites. This simple garnish makes the dish look more appealing. Plus, it offers a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and check that it’s cooked through. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Next, keep the skillet hot but lower the heat to medium-low. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the residual oil. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but be careful not to burn it. Burning garlic can ruin the dish. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to mix it with the garlic. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend. Now, stir in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. This will thicken the sauce and make it creamy. Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Toss in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves. Cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and softens. Then, return the sautéed chicken to the skillet. Gently fold the chicken into the creamy sauce. Make sure each piece is coated well. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Allow everything to cook together for another 2 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Serve warm, and enjoy your creamy garlic chicken bites! - Heat Control Tips: Start with medium heat. This helps cook the chicken evenly. If the heat is too high, the outside cooks fast while the inside stays raw. You want golden brown bites, not burnt ones. - Avoiding Garlic Burn: Cook garlic on low heat for just a minute. Keep stirring to release its aroma without burning it. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. - How to Adjust Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer. The heavy cream thickens as it cooks. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. - Tips for Rich Flavor: Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Adding a bit more Parmesan cheese amplifies the flavor. You can also try a squeeze of lemon juice for a zing. - Best Sides to Pair With: Serve these bites over fluffy rice or spaghetti. They soak up the creamy sauce well. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad works nicely too. - Presentation Ideas: For a fun twist, use small bowls for appetizers. Add toothpicks for easy eating. Garnish with fresh parsley to add color and freshness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic creates a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. Always opt for fresh cloves for the best results. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. This will still provide flavor while reducing richness. Perfect Chicken Bites: Cut your chicken into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This helps avoid some pieces being overcooked while others are undercooked. Garnish Smartly: For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a pop of color and added flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily swap chicken for other meats. Try turkey or shrimp for a lighter dish. These swaps add new flavors to your creamy garlic bites. If you want a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or tofu. Both options work well and soak up the sauce nicely. For those avoiding dairy, there are great options too. Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. These choices keep the dish rich while being friendly to lactose-free diets. Spices can elevate the taste of your chicken. Add paprika for a smoky kick or red pepper flakes for heat. A pinch of cumin brings a warm flavor that pairs well with garlic. Experiment with these spices to make the dish your own. You can also throw in vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. Both add color and crunch. Sauté them with the chicken for extra flavor and nutrition. They give a fresh twist to the creamy sauce. You can make creamy garlic chicken bites in the oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Mix the sauce separately, pour it over the chicken, and bake for 25 minutes. This method creates a nice, roasted flavor. If you prefer a slow cooker, this dish works great too. Add the chicken and sauce into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. This method makes the chicken super tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. To keep your creamy garlic chicken bites fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the chicken cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps the dish tasty. When reheating, aim to maintain that creamy texture. Use a skillet over low heat to warm the chicken bites slowly. Add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the skillet. This will help the sauce stay smooth and creamy. Stir gently to combine everything and avoid burning. You can freeze creamy garlic chicken bites! However, the cream may change texture. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently, adding a bit of cream to help restore the creamy goodness. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prepare in advance, cook the chicken and sauce separately. Let them cool before storing. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. This recipe works well for meal prep. Divide the creamy garlic chicken bites into individual containers. Pair them with rice or pasta for a complete meal. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Make sure to stir well to keep the sauce smooth. If you want lighter options, try using half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. Greek yogurt is another great option, but add it slowly to avoid curdling. These substitutes will change the texture, but they still taste great! This blog post outlined a creamy garlic chicken recipe, covering ingredients, preparation steps, and storage tips. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, garlic, and heavy cream, and explored tasty add-ins like spinach and cheese. I shared tips to perfect your sauté and suggested serving ideas. Remember, you can adjust flavors and methods to suit your needs. Whether you want to meal prep or store leftovers, this dish is flexible and easy to make. Enjoy your cooking adventure; this recipe will surely impress!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites

Delicious bite-sized chicken pieces in a creamy garlic sauce with spinach and Parmesan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • Without cleaning the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the residual oil, and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be cautious to avoid burning it, as this can impart a bitter taste.
  • Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the sautéed garlic. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Stir in the dried Italian herbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Continuously mix until the cheese completely melts and you see the sauce beginning to thicken, creating a luscious coating.
  • Add the chopped spinach leaves to the sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until the spinach wilts down and becomes tender.
  • Return the sautéed chicken bites back into the skillet. Gently fold them into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
  • Allow the mixture to cook together for another 2 minutes to ensure all components are heated through.
  • Serve the creamy garlic chicken bites warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For a delightful presentation, serve over spaghetti or rice.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, garlic