Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini

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Crispy, golden-seared chicken bites infused with garlic and parmesan, drizzled with a silky sun-dried tomato Cajun Alfredo sauce—this dish is the ultimate weeknight indulgence that feels like it came from a gourmet bistro. The garlic-parmesan crust adds the perfect crunch, while the Alfredo sauce brings deep, creamy flavor with just the right hint of smoky spice. Paired with vibrant charred broccolini, this meal is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly balanced and satisfying.

This dish delivers bold, savory goodness in every bite without being heavy. It’s quick enough to make on a weeknight, yet impressive enough for guests. The broccolini adds a smoky green contrast to the creamy, peppery chicken, making it a complete and colorful plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, a low-carb lunch, or a protein-packed meal prep option, this easy recipe is a game-changer.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

• Bold Flavors, Fast: Perfectly seasoned chicken bites cooked in under 20 minutes.
• Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce: A silky, spicy twist with sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
• Charred Broccolini: Balances richness with a fresh, slightly bitter crunch.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully.
• Low-Carb & Protein-Packed: Ideal for healthy dinners or post-gym meals.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or greens—or enjoy it as is.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or date nights.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and the Importance of Each Tool)

Before diving into this flavorful recipe, make sure you’ve got your essentials in place. A smooth cooking process starts with proper prep and the right equipment.

1. Cast Iron or Non-Stick Skillet:
This is your main player. A heavy skillet holds heat evenly and helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the chicken bites. A non-stick version also works well for easy flipping and less cleanup.

2. Tongs:
Essential for flipping the chicken bites without losing the crust. Tongs give you control over each piece and prevent unnecessary crowding in the pan.

3. Sharp Chef’s Knife:
A good knife is a game-changer when slicing chicken breasts evenly and chopping fresh herbs or sun-dried tomatoes with precision.

4. Cutting Board:
Use a large, stable cutting board to keep your prep area clean and safe. Consider using one board for meat and another for vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.

5. Blender or Food Processor (optional):
If you want an ultra-smooth Alfredo sauce, blend the sauce ingredients together before heating. It’s not required but elevates the final texture.

6. Silicone Spatula or Whisk:
Helps stir the Alfredo sauce to silky perfection and ensures nothing sticks to the pan.

7. Steamer Basket or Grill Pan (for broccolini):
To char the broccolini just right, a grill pan is best, but you can also steam it slightly before pan-searing in the same skillet.

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Preparation Tips

• Pat the Chicken Dry: This ensures better browning and prevents steaming.
• Season Generously: Garlic, parmesan, and Cajun spices bring life to the dish—don’t hold back.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches to keep that seared exterior crisp and golden.
• Use Reserved Pasta Water (if serving with pasta): For a lighter Alfredo, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Preheat Your Skillet Well: You want it hot enough so the chicken sizzles on contact—this gives you that restaurant-quality sear.
• Char the Broccolini Last: Use the leftover fond in the pan to give your greens added flavor.

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Ingredients for This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini

For the Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Charred Broccolini:

• 1 large bunch broccolini (or substitute with regular broccoli florets)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

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Optional Add-ons:

• Pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice (if serving as a full meal)
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving
• Extra grated parmesan for topping

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Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help them brown better. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of oil if needed and sear the chicken bites in batches—avoid crowding. Cook each piece for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a plate.

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Step 3: Char the Broccolini

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—use that leftover flavor!), add a bit more olive oil. Toss in the broccolini, season with salt and pepper, and let it char for about 4–5 minutes until crispy-tender and slightly blackened in spots. Remove and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then whisk in parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Add red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

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Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the Alfredo sauce until everything is coated and warmed through. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 6: Plate and Serve

Serve the saucy chicken bites with charred broccolini on the side. Add a fresh lemon wedge, sprinkle more parmesan if desired, and enjoy while hot.

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Notes

• Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness: While breasts work great, thighs bring in extra flavor and tenderness, especially when seared.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• Sauce Thickness: If your Alfredo sauce thickens too much, simply thin it out with a splash of milk or chicken broth.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Chicken Drying Step: Wet chicken steams instead of sears. Always pat it dry before seasoning.
• Overcrowding the Pan: This reduces the skillet temperature and leaves you with pale, soggy bites instead of that golden crust.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken bites cook fast—watch them closely and remove them once just cooked through.
• High Heat with Cream Sauce: Alfredo sauces don’t like boiling. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling or burning.
• Not Using the Fond for Broccolini: Those browned bits in the pan are flavor gold—don’t wash them away before cooking the broccolini.
• Undercooked Broccolini: You want it charred, not raw—make sure it spends enough time in the pan to get those crisp edges.
• Not Tasting as You Go: Cajun seasoning and parmesan are salty—always taste your sauce before adding extra salt.
• Forgetting the Garnish: Fresh parsley or lemon zest brightens everything—don’t skip the final flourish!

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What to Serve With Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites?

8 Recommendations

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
   A velvety mash pairs beautifully with the Alfredo sauce, soaking up every rich bite.
2. Buttery Garlic Noodles
   Simple garlic noodles complement the chicken bites without overpowering the dish.
3. Lemon-Herb Couscous
   Light and fluffy couscous adds a refreshing citrus note that balances the creamy Cajun Alfredo.
4. Cauliflower Rice
   A low-carb option that lets the bold flavors of the chicken and sauce shine.
5. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
   Adds texture and heartiness to the plate—especially good with a dash of rosemary.
6. Simple Side Salad with Vinaigrette
   Crisp greens and a tangy dressing cut through the richness and keep the meal fresh.
7. Grilled Corn on the Cob
   Smoky, sweet corn brings a touch of summer and adds texture and sweetness.
8. Herbed Quinoa Pilaf
   Nutty and aromatic, quinoa adds a wholesome, protein-rich base to your plate.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, keep the chicken and broccolini separate from any pasta or grains to avoid sogginess.

To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the Alfredo sauce. The broccolini can be reheated in a dry skillet for a quick char refresh or in the microwave for convenience.

You can also freeze the chicken bites and Alfredo sauce (without the broccolini) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – serves 4)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 650mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but the flavor and texture won’t be the same. Freshly seared chicken gives you that crispy parmesan crust and juicier bite.

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2. How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo sauce?

It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.

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3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes—use a plant-based cream and dairy-free parmesan alternative. Coconut cream can work, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.

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4. What can I substitute for broccolini?

Regular broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or even zucchini work well if you can’t find broccolini.

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5. Is this dish gluten-free?

The core recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure your parmesan and seasoning blends are certified gluten-free. Watch your side dish choices.

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6. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and make the sauce a day in advance. Reheat gently and combine when ready to serve.

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7. Will this pair well with pasta?

Yes, it’s fantastic over fettuccine, penne, or even linguine. Save some pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.

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8. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

You can, especially in a time crunch, but skip the searing step and simply heat it in the Alfredo sauce for a few minutes.

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Conclusion

This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini is a standout meal that blends comfort and sophistication with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, it hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, slightly spicy, and satisfyingly crisp. With its versatility and bold flavor, it’ll quickly become a repeat favorite in your recipe rotation.

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