Description
Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo and Charred Broccolini is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken bites crisped with parmesan, enveloped in a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes. Paired with charred broccolini seasoned with garlic and sea salt, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh vegetable notes, making it a delightful meal for four.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
For the Charred Broccolini
- 1 bunch fresh broccolini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika to ensure the meat is flavorful.
- Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken cubes in the skillet for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the chicken to allow it to crisp. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Char the Broccolini: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil, then add the broccolini. Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to get a good char. Sprinkle garlic powder and sea salt, then cook for another 2 minutes until the broccolini is just tender. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese to Sauce: Stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and fully melted, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce and Serve: Return the seared chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce to coat evenly. Serve hot with the charred broccolini on the side or use as a topping over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra depth, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.
- Broccolini can be replaced with broccoli or asparagus if unavailable.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or enjoy as is for a low-carb option.
- Make sure not to stir broccolini too much while charring to achieve a nice sear.
