Sweet heat meets creamy comfort in this flavorful twist on a weeknight favorite. Our Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are coated in a sticky, spicy glaze that packs just the right punch, while the Cajun Alfredo pasta provides a rich, savory balance. Paired with rotini and garnished with fresh basil, this dish brings the perfect combination of spice, creaminess, and texture.

This recipe is a treat for both the eyes and taste buds, with golden-seared chicken, vibrant herbs, and a bold Cajun flair. It’s easy enough for a cozy dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking to spice up your dinner rotation, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the magic of flavors, having the right tools can transform the cooking experience from stressful to seamless. For this recipe, you’ll need:

Non-stick skillet or cast iron pan: Perfect for getting that crispy sear on the chicken bites and ensuring the hot honey glaze doesn’t stick.
Medium saucepan: Needed for creating a velvety Cajun Alfredo sauce that clings to every pasta spiral.
Pasta pot with strainer: Efficient for boiling your rotini and quickly draining without fuss.

Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth Alfredo sauce without lumps.
Tongs or spatula: To flip and toss the chicken bites without breaking their crust.

Using the right tools ensures even cooking, reduces cleanup time, and brings out the best textures in both the chicken and the pasta.

Ingredients for the Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building bold flavor and satisfying texture:

Chicken breast (boneless, skinless): The star of the show, offering lean protein and a neutral base to soak up the sticky hot honey garlic glaze.
Hot honey: Adds the signature sweet heat that makes the chicken bites irresistible.

Garlic (minced): Gives depth and aromatic intensity to the glaze.
Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper: A well-rounded spice blend to season the chicken bites before cooking.
Salted butter: Adds richness and a smooth finish to both the chicken and Alfredo.

Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and brings extra flavor.
Heavy cream: The creamy base for the Cajun Alfredo, making the sauce ultra-rich.
Parmesan cheese (grated): For that sharp, nutty finish in the sauce.

Cajun seasoning: Delivers a bold, smoky kick that balances the sweet heat of the chicken.
Rotini pasta: Its twists hold the sauce perfectly, giving you more flavor in every bite.
Broccoli (lightly roasted or pan-seared): Adds color, nutrients, and a crispy bite to the dish.

Fresh basil (for garnish): Brings brightness and a touch of herbal freshness.

How To Make the Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, toss with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Hot Honey Garlic Glaze

In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then pour in the hot honey. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Toss the cooked chicken bites back into the pan and coat thoroughly in the glaze.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Boil rotini in salted water until al dente, then drain. At the same time, roast or pan-sear broccoli until slightly crispy on the edges, with a bit of char for flavor.

Step 4: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and pour in the heavy cream. Whisk in Cajun seasoning and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Add grated parmesan and continue whisking until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Combine the rotini with the Cajun Alfredo sauce. Plate it with the hot honey garlic chicken bites on one side and crispy broccoli mixed in or on top. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning if desired.

Serving and Storing Your Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo

Serve this dish hot and fresh off the stove for the best flavor and texture. The contrast between the creamy pasta and the spicy-sweet chicken really shines when warm. If you’re hosting, serve it in shallow bowls and finish with a basil sprig for an elevated presentation.

Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. A squeeze of lemon over the broccoli also adds a fresh touch.

To store leftovers, allow everything to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of hot honey should I use?

You can use store-bought hot honey or make your own by combining honey with red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Adjust the heat level based on your preference.

Can I substitute the chicken breast with another protein?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs, shrimp, or even crispy tofu work beautifully with the hot honey glaze and Cajun Alfredo.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes! You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based alternative. Use less butter and opt for grilled chicken instead of pan-seared.

Can I make the components ahead of time?

You can prep the Alfredo sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately and reheat before combining.

How do I keep the chicken bites crispy after coating with glaze?

The key is to sear the chicken until it forms a crust, then glaze it right before serving. This prevents the bites from getting soggy.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a moderate heat from the Cajun seasoning and hot honey, but you can control the spice by adjusting the amount of each.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas with a Kick?

If this sweet-spicy combo hit the spot, you’ll love exploring these other bold and satisfying chicken dinners:

Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta for an extra saucy, indulgent twist.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with gooey cheese and a rich garlic flavor.

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot — perfect for easy slow-cooked comfort.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for a buttery, southern-inspired skillet sensation.
One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta — not chicken, but just as irresistible!

Save This Recipe for Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you drizzle extra hot honey or go mild? Did you add any extra veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter, not harder.

Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Sticky hot honey garlic chicken bites meet creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta in this bold, sweet-spicy comfort dish. Tossed with rotini and crispy broccoli, this is an easy but impressive dinner you’ll come back to again and again.

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add hot honey and simmer 2–3 minutes. Return chicken to pan and toss in glaze.

4. Cook rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.

5. While pasta cooks, roast or pan-sear broccoli until lightly crispy.

6. In a saucepan, melt remaining butter and add cream. Whisk in Cajun seasoning and parmesan until sauce is creamy and smooth.

7. Toss rotini in Cajun Alfredo sauce, then plate with glazed chicken and broccoli. Garnish with basil.