Description
Looking for an easy dinner idea that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal? These Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini are exactly that. Juicy, golden-seared chicken is tossed in garlic and parmesan, then coated in a creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce with sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The charred broccolini adds balance and a pop of green. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a comforting high-protein meal without the carbs. It’s the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and simplicity—your new go-to easy recipe for food ideas that impress.
Ingredients
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
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
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 bunch broccolini
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss with olive oil, garlic, parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add more oil. Toss in broccolini with salt and pepper. Char for 4–5 minutes until tender and crisp. Remove and set aside.
4. Lower heat. Melt butter, stir in sun-dried tomatoes, then add heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. Whisk in parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
6. Return chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat with sauce. Adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley.
7. Serve hot with broccolini on the side. Optionally add lemon zest or wedges.
8. Pair with pasta, rice, or salad for a full meal.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Don’t skip drying the chicken—it’s key to a good sear.
If sauce gets too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: easy dinner, garlic parmesan chicken, Cajun Alfredo, chicken bites, low carb, high protein, quick dinner, sun-dried tomato, healthy dinner ideas