Description

Golden, cheesy, and addictively crunchy—these *Easy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoked Cajun Alfredo* are a weeknight dinner upgrade that tastes like restaurant-quality comfort. Tender chicken is coated in a seasoned Parmesan crust and fried until crisp, then paired with creamy smoked Cajun Alfredo pasta for a bold, spicy-smooth contrast. Perfect for quick dinners, dinner ideas, food ideas for entertaining, or even as a party snack, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and impossible to resist. A delicious mix of crunchy and creamy, spicy and cheesy—ideal for when you want something both fun and satisfying.

Ingredients

300g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

200g penne pasta

2 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare three bowls: flour mixed with garlic powder and paprika; beaten eggs; panko combined with half the Parmesan.

3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.

4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry chicken bites in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Set aside on paper towels.

5. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

6. In a pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

7. Stir in smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning, simmer until slightly thickened.

8. Add the remaining Parmesan and stir until melted.

9. Toss in cooked pasta and coat well.

10. Serve pasta topped with crispy chicken bites and chopped parsley.

Notes

Reheat leftover chicken bites in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.

Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best melt and crust.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying, Boiling
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 725
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 44g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: easy dinner, crispy chicken, Alfredo pasta, food ideas, quick dinner