If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and beautiful textures, let me introduce you to the Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini Recipe. This meal is a delightful fusion of creamy, garlicky sauce adorned with the smoky tang of charred broccolini and the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning—making every bite unforgettable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe brings comfort and excitement to your plate in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients, each adding depth and character. From tender chicken pieces to rich Parmesan and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, every component plays a crucial role in crafting a harmonious dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to your taste buds.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose fresh, high-quality meat for juicy, flavorful bites.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve the perfect sear on the chicken.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided: Brings richness and helps create a silky sauce texture.
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning: Infuses the chicken with a smoky, spicy warmth that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The star aromatics that give the sauce its unforgettable garlicky punch.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Contributes a sweet-tart complexity and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety base for the Alfredo sauce.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, savory finish.
- 1 bunch broccolini: Offers a lightly bitter and charred companion to balance the creamy chicken.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for broccolini): Helps achieve that perfect char while cooking the broccolini.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning touches to elevate every element of the plate.
How to Make Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Sear the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. This step is crucial because the Cajun spices create that signature bold flavor that makes this dish shine. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook each piece until it develops a beautiful golden crust and is cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside—this will allow you to build the sauce in the same pan, soaking up those incredible browned bits left behind.
Step 2: Build the Garlic-Parmesan Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, creating that irresistible garlicky aroma. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for an additional minute, releasing their sweet, concentrated flavors. Now pour in the heavy cream, raising the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. As it bubbles softly, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch more Cajun seasoning to deepen the flavors further. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until it thickens slightly into a rich, creamy coating that will hug every chicken bite.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken back into the skillet, gently tossing it to coat each piece thoroughly with that luscious sun-dried tomato Cajun Alfredo sauce. Let it simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken warms through again and absorbs all the wonderful flavors. This is the moment where the dish truly comes together, melding bold seasoning with creamy indulgence.
Step 4: Char the Broccolini to Perfection
While the chicken simmers, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in another pan over medium-high heat. Add the broccolini, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook it until the stems develop a beautiful char and the florets turn tender—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The slight bitterness and smokiness of charred broccolini provide a vibrant counterpoint to the rich, creamy chicken bites, adding both texture and nutrition.
Step 5: Final Assembly and Serve
Once everything is ready, plate your Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo alongside or over the charred broccolini. You might also want to serve this with a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or pasta to soak up every drop of that gorgeous sauce. This is where your dish transforms from a simple meal into an unforgettable dining experience.
How to Serve Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the chicken bites to add a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese can also enhance the overall savoriness and presentation.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or your favorite pasta to help soak up the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast and balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these chicken bites skewered on toothpicks for an elegant appetizer twist, or plate them over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. For a more rustic feel, arrange everything family-style on a wooden board, allowing everyone to help themselves. Presentation is part of the fun when serving this dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the broccolini and chicken bites separate if possible, to maintain their best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken bites with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the broccolini separately or fresh, as the charred texture doesn’t freeze as well. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken bites slowly on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help bring back the silky consistency. Warm the broccolini in a skillet to revive its slight char and crispness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. They pair wonderfully with the rich Alfredo sauce in this recipe.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes add a unique depth, you can substitute with roasted red peppers or omit them altogether. The dish will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate spiciness depending on the brand and quantity used. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The flavors will be a bit different but still tasty.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken bites should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cutting into a piece to check that the juices run clear is another good indicator.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini Recipe is a celebration of bold, comforting flavors and textures that come together effortlessly in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again, perfect for when you want to impress without the fuss. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re in for a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites are tender, flavorful pieces of chicken cooked with a creamy sun-dried tomato Cajun Alfredo sauce, paired perfectly with charred broccolini. This quick and easy 30-minute meal combines bold Cajun spices, rich Parmesan, and garlicky goodness for a comforting yet elegant dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Broccolini
- 1 bunch broccolini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.
- Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add a pinch more Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat the pieces evenly in the creamy sauce. Allow the chicken and sauce to simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Char the Broccolini: Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the broccolini, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is charred and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the garlic-parmesan chicken bites alongside the charred broccolini. Optionally, serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites or chicken breasts for leaner meat.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich umami flavor; use oil-packed for best results.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste depending on preferred spice level.
- Serve with your favorite side like pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a heartier dish.
- Broccolini can be substituted with asparagus or broccoli florets if desired.
