Description
Savor these indulgent Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, perfectly paired with tender roasted broccolini. This delightful recipe combines juicy, seasoned chicken with a rich, garlicky sauce enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh Parmesan, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 450 g Chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 60 g Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 240 ml Heavy Cream
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 50 g Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Vegetables
- 200 g Broccolini
- Olive Oil, for roasting broccolini
- Salt and Black Pepper, for seasoning broccolini
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Let the seasoned chicken rest to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 5-7 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust on all sides.
- Roast the Broccolini: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes until the broccolini is slightly charred and tender.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to low and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cajun Seasoning: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of additional Cajun seasoning. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Make Cajun Alfredo Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, coating them thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Simmer everything together for an additional 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites garnished with fresh parsley alongside the roasted broccolini for a complete, delicious meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute heavy cream with cashew cream and butter with ghee or vegan butter.
- Turkey or tofu can be used instead of chicken for variety or to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor and texture in the sauce compared to pre-grated versions.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred heat level.
- Asparagus is a great substitute for broccolini if unavailable.
- Ensure garlic doesn’t burn while sautéing to avoid bitterness.
