Description
Golden and crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites served alongside gemelli pasta tossed in a creamy, smoky Cajun Alfredo sauce. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken coated in Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, fried to perfection, with a rich and spicy pasta for a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1 lb chicken tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz gemelli pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces for easy frying and serving.
- Set up breading stations: Arrange three separate bowls – one with the beaten eggs, one with grated Parmesan cheese, and one with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the chicken bites: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, then coat in Parmesan cheese, followed by Panko breadcrumbs. Set the breaded pieces aside on a plate.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gemelli pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Fry the chicken bites: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Cajun Alfredo sauce: In a clean skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream and seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked gemelli pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat every piece evenly with the creamy Cajun Alfredo.
- Plate and garnish: Serve the creamy pasta on plates and top with the crispy Parmesan chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning to your preference.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the frying oil stays around 350°F for crispier chicken bites.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Gemelli pasta can be substituted with other short pasta like fusilli or rotini.
- To reduce fat, chicken bites can be baked instead of fried, though they will be less crispy.
