Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo

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Craving a dish that hits both sweet and spicy notes? These Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo are an irresistible combo of caramelized, savory chicken paired with creamy, peppery pasta that packs a little heat.

Imagine golden-seared chicken bites drenched in a sticky maple garlic glaze, resting next to a tangle of fettuccine soaked in Cajun-seasoned Alfredo sauce. It’s comfort food with a bold twist — and it comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight indulgence or an impressive weekend dinner.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo shine, a few kitchen tools are essential:

• Non-stick Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: Vital for searing the chicken bites evenly and allowing that maple garlic glaze to reduce into a sticky coating.
• Large Pot: You’ll need this to boil your pasta perfectly al dente.
• Mixing Bowls: Great for tossing your chicken in the seasoning beforehand.
• Tongs or Spatula: These help manage the chicken bites without tearing them.
• Whisk: Crucial for making a smooth, lump-free Alfredo sauce.

Having these tools ready helps streamline the cooking process and ensures everything comes out rich, creamy, and beautifully seared.

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Ingredients for the Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo

• Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, it soaks up flavor quickly and cooks fast.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when seared.
• Garlic Cloves: Intensifies the glaze with a deep, savory aroma.
• Soy Sauce: Offers a salty umami punch that balances the maple.
• Smoked Paprika & Black Pepper: For that extra hint of warmth and depth in the chicken.
• Butter & Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding richness.
• Fettuccine Pasta: A flat, wide noodle perfect for clinging onto creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Forms the rich base of the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Essential for a salty, nutty finish in the Alfredo.
• Cajun Seasoning: Brings the heat and rounds out the spicy flavor profile.
• Parsley: A bright garnish to finish things off.

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How To Make the Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken breast chunks in soy sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, and a little black pepper. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes to infuse flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites

Heat olive oil and butter in your skillet. Add chicken bites and sear them until golden brown and cooked through. Add maple syrup during the last few minutes so it reduces and coats the bites in a sticky glaze.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, boil your fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In a clean pan, melt butter and add heavy cream. Whisk continuously until warm, then stir in Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen if needed. Plate alongside the maple garlic chicken bites and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

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Serving and Storing Your Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo

Serve this dish immediately while the Alfredo is creamy and warm. It’s best plated with chicken on one side and pasta on the other for visual appeal and texture contrast. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few chili flakes adds just the right finishing touch.

Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo?

It has a mild to moderate heat, which you can easily adjust by increasing or reducing the Cajun seasoning.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs offer a juicier bite and work great in this recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.

What’s the best pasta substitute if I don’t have fettuccine?

Linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne will hold the sauce well.

Can I make the Alfredo sauce in advance?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. If you make it ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat slowly while whisking.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

Honey or agave syrup can work, but the flavor will slightly differ.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli, which keeps things spicy but adds in hearty greens. For something cheesy and baked, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting casserole-style twist.

Craving a one-pot deal? One-Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta delivers smoky richness without the cleanup. And if you’re into bold seasoning, the One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta could be your next must-try.

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you tweak the spice level? Add veggies? Leave a comment below — and if you want more creations like this, check out my daily shares on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

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