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

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Tender, golden-seared chicken bites glazed in a creamy, sun-dried tomato Cajun Alfredo sauce? Yes, please. This dish is a flavor-packed combination of comfort and spice, bringing the heat of Cajun seasoning and the richness of Parmesan and garlic together in every bite. Pair it with crisp-charred broccolini for a meal that feels indulgent yet light.

These Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites are perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something cozy without a lot of fuss. The sauce alone is enough to turn any dinner into something special, and the contrast of the charred green veggies balances the richness perfectly.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the skillet, let’s set ourselves up for success with the right equipment:

• Cast Iron or Heavy Skillet – Ideal for achieving that golden crust on the chicken bites without overcooking them. Retains heat beautifully.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board – For efficiently slicing chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping garlic, herbs, and broccolini.
• Small Saucepan – Used for preparing the Alfredo sauce separately to ensure the flavors meld together smoothly.
• Tongs or Silicone Spatula – Helps flip chicken without tearing the sear or overhandling delicate broccolini.
• Blender or Food Processor (optional) – For creating a silkier Alfredo sauce, especially if blending sun-dried tomatoes in.

Gather these tools first to keep the process smooth and your kitchen clean as you go.

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

Each ingredient in this recipe brings bold flavor and purpose. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs – The heart of the dish. Tender, juicy protein that crisps up beautifully in a hot skillet.
• Garlic (minced) – Adds depth and aromatic intensity that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – For that nutty, salty richness that melts into the Alfredo sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These provide a sweet-tangy balance and a chewy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream – The base of the Alfredo sauce, creating a luscious and rich mouthfeel.
• Cajun Seasoning – Brings bold heat and complexity. It balances the cream and cheese perfectly.
• Butter – Used for sautéing garlic and chicken, adding golden color and richness.
• Olive Oil – Essential for searing the broccolini and chicken, adding crisp edges without burning.
• Broccolini – Its tender stalks and crisp florets char beautifully, adding freshness and crunch to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper – For basic but essential flavor layering.
• Chopped Parsley or Basil – Optional, but it adds a bright herbaceous finish to contrast the creamy sauce.

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How To Make the Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo and Charred Broccolini

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and a bit of Cajun seasoning. Heat your skillet over medium-high, add a bit of olive oil and butter, and sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Char the Broccolini

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed and toss in the broccolini. Let it sit for a minute or two without stirring to get a nice char. Cook until tender-crisp. Set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium. In a small saucepan (or same skillet if preferred), melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Cajun seasoning.

Step 4: Creamy Alfredo Magic

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan until smooth and velvety. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce and coat thoroughly. Let simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the chicken and spoon over extra sauce. Nestle the charred broccolini alongside and garnish with fresh chopped herbs if using.

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How to Serve and Store Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites

This dish is best served hot, right off the skillet. For presentation, serve the chicken bites over a shallow bed of sauce with the charred broccolini nestled to the side. If you’re pairing with pasta or mashed potatoes, let the sauce drizzle generously over the top. Garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds color and a hint of extra flavor.

Leftovers? Lucky you. Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of broccolini?

You can substitute broccolini with broccoli, green beans, or even asparagus. Just keep the char for that smoky flavor!

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but the flavor and texture are best with freshly seared chicken. If using pre-cooked, add it at the end just to warm it through in the sauce.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to the Alfredo sauce?

Absolutely. Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo?

It has a mild-to-medium heat. For less spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a milder version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make the sauce and sear the chicken ahead. Reheat both in the skillet when ready to serve, and cook the broccolini fresh for best texture.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon reheating.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites recipe, you’ll definitely want to try these other crowd-pleasing meals:

• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a hands-off, tender flavor explosion.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you crave something creamy and comforting.
• One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans for a hearty, simple weeknight staple.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce to stay in the creamy garlic lane.
• Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff for a cozy dish with an earthy twist.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use extra Cajun spice? Or maybe swapped in another veggie? I always love hearing how you make it your own.

Have a question or need a variation? I’m here to help! Let’s cook smarter together.

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