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

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Tender, golden-crusted chicken bites tossed in a buttery garlic-Parmesan coating are the kind of dish that demands attention. Pair that with a silky Cajun Alfredo sauce enriched with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy meal without leaving your kitchen. The sweetness of charred broccolini on the side balances the richness, making every bite satisfying yet fresh.

This is one of those recipes that feels special enough for date night but practical enough for a weeknight dinner. The components come together quickly, and the flavors are bold and memorable. You’ll have creamy, garlicky indulgence on one side of the plate and smoky, slightly crisp greens on the other, for a complete and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini

This recipe delivers big flavor without excessive complexity. The chicken stays juicy thanks to a quick sear, the Alfredo sauce gains depth from Cajun spices and sun-dried tomatoes, and the broccolini’s slight char adds a hint of bitterness that keeps things balanced. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for comfort on a plate.

What Type of Chicken Should I Use?

For the juiciest, most tender bites, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and stay moist even if slightly overcooked, while chicken breasts are leaner and soak up the garlic-Parmesan coating beautifully. Whichever you choose, cutting them into uniform bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and the perfect sauce-to-chicken ratio in every forkful.

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

To create this flavor-packed dish, you’ll need fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a role in balancing richness, spice, and freshness, so it’s worth using the best you can find.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – The base of the recipe, offering juicy, tender bites.
  • Garlic cloves – Minced and sautéed to infuse the chicken with deep flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for a nutty, salty crust.
  • Unsalted butter – Helps create the rich garlic-Parmesan coating.
  • Olive oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
  • Heavy cream – Forms the creamy base of the Alfredo sauce.
  • Cajun seasoning – Adds smoky heat and depth to the sauce.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes – Brings a tangy-sweet burst to the creamy sauce.
  • Broccolini – Lightly charred for a fresh, slightly bitter contrast.
  • Salt and pepper – To season and balance flavors.
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How To Make the Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic-Parmesan Coating

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts into a coating, then toss the chicken back in to coat evenly. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Create the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in Cajun seasoning and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Char the Broccolini

While the sauce cooks, heat a grill pan or second skillet over high heat. Toss broccolini with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then cook until slightly charred but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the Cajun Alfredo sauce over the garlic-Parmesan chicken bites. Serve with the charred broccolini on the side and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

Serving and Storing Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini

This recipe comfortably feeds 4 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or a small gathering with friends. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, for the best texture and flavor. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce without drying out the chicken.

What to Serve With Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Their smooth, buttery texture pairs perfectly with the rich Alfredo sauce.

Buttered Garlic Bread

Crispy and aromatic, it’s ideal for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Lemon Herb Rice

The light citrus flavor brightens up the Cajun spices and creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Their crispy skin and fluffy centers complement the garlic-Parmesan flavors.

Simple Green Beans Almondine

A nutty, slightly crunchy side that balances the plate.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzle well alongside this dish.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love these Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it mild or spice it up? Did you serve it over pasta or something else entirely?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting and comforting dinner recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to favorite.

Conclusion

This Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini recipe is a full-flavor, comfort-food experience you can easily master at home. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal that’s both rich and balanced. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just treating yourself, this dish delivers every single time.

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

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


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Garlic‑Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo and Charred Broccolini recipe delivers a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce swirled with sun dried tomatoes over juicy garlic Parmesan chicken bites, finished with crisp tender charred broccolini for balance. It is an easy chicken dinner packed with bold flavor, perfect for a fast weeknight meal or a restaurant style date night at home. Keywords include garlic Parmesan chicken, Cajun Alfredo, sun dried tomato pasta sauce, and charred broccolini.


Ingredients

1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided

2 tbsp olive oil, for searing

3 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

1 cup heavy cream

1 tsp Cajun seasoning, for sauce

1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped and drained

1 tbsp oil from the sun dried tomato jar or olive oil

12 oz broccolini, trimmed

1 tbsp olive oil, for broccolini

1/4 tsp kosher salt, for broccolini

1/4 tsp black pepper, for broccolini

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 lemon, cut into wedges for serving


Instructions

1. Pat dry and season. Pat the chicken dry. Toss with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.

2. Sear the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium high. Sear chicken in a single layer until golden and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the garlic Parmesan butter. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan to melt into a glossy coating. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat. Transfer chicken back to the plate to keep the skillet free for the sauce.

4. Start the Cajun Alfredo. In the same skillet add heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, chopped sun dried tomatoes, and the tablespoon of tomato oil. Simmer, stirring, until lightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.

5. Combine. Return the coated chicken and any juices to the skillet and toss in the sauce until glossy and hot. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

6. Char the broccolini. While the sauce simmers, heat a second skillet or grill pan over high. Toss broccolini with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, turning once, until charred in spots and crisp tender, 3 to 4 minutes.

7. Finish and garnish. Plate the chicken with extra spoonfuls of sauce. Add broccolini on the side. Sprinkle with parsley and more Parmesan.

8. Serve. Squeeze lemon over the broccolini and enjoy immediately.

Notes

The Parmesan melts best if finely grated; avoid pre shredded blends that contain anti caking agents.

If the sauce gets too thick, loosen with a splash of cream or chicken broth over low heat.

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a few chili flakes to the Cajun Alfredo.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop, Skillet
  • Cuisine: American Italian fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 46 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg

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