Looking for a weeknight dinner that hits that sweet spot between indulgent and wholesome? Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with a spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo sauce might be your new favorite obsession. Perfectly seared, juicy chicken bites coated in a rich, creamy sauce with the pop of Cajun heat and sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes. And let’s not forget the side of crisp-charred broccolini that balances everything beautifully on the plate.

This dish brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen in under 40 minutes. It feels like something you’d find at your favorite Italian bistro but without the heavy lifting. Ideal for a cozy dinner for two or a small gathering with friends, this meal is hearty without being heavy and vibrant without needing a ton of garnish.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started with this bold and creamy chicken skillet dinner, you’ll need some reliable kitchen tools. A heavy-duty cast iron skillet or non-stick pan is crucial for getting that golden-brown sear on the chicken without sticking. It also helps maintain steady heat while you reduce the Alfredo sauce.

Next, reach for a sharp chef’s knife for slicing chicken evenly and chopping herbs. Uniform pieces cook faster and more evenly.

You’ll also want a blender or immersion blender if you prefer a smoother finish to your Alfredo sauce, especially if you’re incorporating sun-dried tomatoes directly into the cream base.

Use tongs for turning the chicken and broccolini safely while maintaining their shape and sear, and a wooden spoon for stirring the sauce to avoid scratching your skillet.

And finally, a cutting board, preferably wood or BPA-free plastic, to keep your prep area clean and safe.

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

Here’s a look at the flavor-building components that make this dish shine. Each ingredient brings balance and depth to the skillet.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Tender, juicy, and perfect for quick searing. Boneless, skinless pieces work best for bite-sized cuts.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the chicken and the Alfredo sauce with bold, aromatic richness.

Parmesan Cheese – Aged parmesan brings nutty, salty depth to both the chicken crust and the creamy sauce.

Heavy Cream – The base for our Alfredo, adding luscious, velvety texture.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a sweet, tangy contrast to the richness of the sauce and a gorgeous pop of color.

Cajun Seasoning – Brings smoky heat and earthy spices to elevate both the chicken and the sauce.

Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken and char-broiling the broccolini. Choose extra-virgin for deeper flavor.

Butter – Helps brown the chicken and emulsifies the sauce for a silky finish.

Charred Broccolini – A crisp-tender green side that contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness of the main dish.

Fresh Parsley – Finely chopped, this brightens the final plating with color and a touch of herbal freshness.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Broccolini

Trim the chicken into even bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Meanwhile, rinse and pat dry the broccolini and toss it in olive oil with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 2: Sear and Char

In a hot skillet, sear the broccolini until crisp-tender with slight charring (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter, then cook chicken until golden on both sides and fully cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat. Add minced garlic to the pan drippings and stir until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a touch more Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer to thicken.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish

Stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the sauce, spooning it over each piece. Add broccolini to the side of the pan or plate separately.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley and a bit more parmesan if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

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

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet to the plate. The creamy Alfredo and juicy chicken stay at their prime when fresh, and the charred broccolini offers that essential bite and color contrast.

Serve it with a slice of rustic bread to mop up every drop of sauce, or keep it low-carb by pairing with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

For storing leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. The broccolini can be stored separately and re-crisped in a dry skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo sauce?

It carries a noticeable warmth but isn’t overpowering. You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning or adding crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breasts work well, though thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if overcooked slightly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, though it may not be as rich or thick.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Reheat gently and finish with fresh parsley right before serving.

What other vegetables work instead of broccolini?

Asparagus, green beans, or roasted zucchini would all pair nicely with the rich sauce and spiced chicken.

Does this dish freeze well?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but the chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.

Want More Chicken Alfredo Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, which layers similar bold flavors but adds a pasta twist. For a comfort-forward dish, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe brings cheesy, tangy heat that’s perfect for game nights or crowd-pleasing dinners.

If you’re leaning toward a one-skillet meal again, don’t miss the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta—it builds flavor quickly and satisfies deeply. Or go lighter with my Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites for that sweet-heat crunch without the sauce-heavy finish.

For a twist on Alfredo with a different protein, try the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni—savory and rich with just the right amount of spice.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go extra on the sun-dried tomatoes? Add your own twist to the sauce? Leave a comment below or tag me.

And if you’re craving more daily recipes, follow along on Pinterest at LadyPlate for quick meal ideas and flavor-packed inspiration.

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

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo and Charred Broccolini deliver restaurant-style flavor in under 40 minutes. Juicy, golden-seared chicken bites are coated in a rich, spicy Alfredo sauce with sweet sun-dried tomatoes, perfectly paired with crisp-tender broccolini. It’s bold, creamy, and full of crave-worthy texture for any dinner night.

Instructions

1. Trim chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Rinse and pat dry broccolini, then toss in olive oil and red pepper flakes.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Char broccolini for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly blackened. Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and set aside.

4. Lower heat. Add minced garlic to the pan, stir until fragrant (30 seconds). Pour in heavy cream, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch more Cajun seasoning. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Stir in parmesan until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Add broccolini back to the pan or plate separately.

6. Garnish with chopped parsley and more parmesan if desired. Serve hot.