Description
Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Dill Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken paired with a luscious, tangy dill sauce for a perfect bite every time!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bites
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Dill Sauce
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken bites for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
Prepare the Dill Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth.
Serve:
Place the grilled chicken bites in a serving bowl and generously drizzle with the creamy dill sauce. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy:
Relish this flavorful combination of smoky grilled chicken and tangy dill goodness!
Let me know if you’d like any tweaks!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels, then cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
2. Marinate: In a medium bowl, whisk the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss thoroughly, and marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 2 hours).
3. Preheat Cooking Surface: While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill, grill pan, or heavy skillet to medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching. Grill or sear for 3-4 minutes without moving them. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Stir until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon, dill, or salt as needed.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the grilled chicken bites rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Then, drizzle with sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile chicken bites can be served in numerous ways. For a light meal, serve them over a crisp garden salad or in a pita pocket with fresh veggies. They make an excellent party appetizer with toothpicks for easy dipping. For a heartier dinner, pair them with sides like lemon rice, roasted potatoes, or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.
How-to Summary
Cut chicken into bites, marinate with oil and spices, then grill for 3-4 minutes per side. Simultaneously, mix Greek yogurt, mayo, dill, garlic, and lemon juice for a creamy sauce. Serve the hot chicken with the cool, tangy sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes. The sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance; the flavors improve. The chicken can be marinated overnight. Cook just before serving for best texture.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt? Sour cream or a mix of sour cream and mayonnaise is an excellent substitute for a richer sauce.
Can I bake or air fry the chicken? Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
How do I store leftovers? Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently to avoid drying out.
Is dried dill a good substitute for fresh? Fresh dill is highly recommended for its bright flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons, as it is more potent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: This steams the chicken instead of creating a flavorful sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Over-marinating: Due to the acidity in the yogurt (if using in marinade) or lemon, marinating chicken for more than 2 hours can make the texture mushy.
- Underseasoning the Sauce: Always taste and adjust the sauce after mixing. It needs enough salt and lemon to balance the yogurt’s tang.
- Cutting Uneven Pieces: Inconsistent sizes lead to some pieces being overcooked while others are underdone.
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Dill Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, striking the perfect balance between smoky, savory chicken and a cool, herbaceous sauce. Its simplicity, versatility, and explosive flavor make it ideal for everything from quick weeknight dinners to entertaining guests. Mastering the few simple techniques outlined here—like getting a good sear and balancing the sauce—will ensure a delicious result every single time.