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

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Sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying—and this one is a perfect example. I put this dish together on a weeknight when I was short on time but craving bold flavors. What came out of my skillet was something that tasted like it took hours to prepare. These Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites are juicy, golden, and loaded with flavor, nestled in a creamy sun-dried tomato Cajun Alfredo sauce, with just the right amount of heat and richness. And to round it out? Charred broccolini that soaks up all that goodness on the plate.

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and lightness. It’s hearty without being heavy, colorful without being complicated. And while it might sound fancy, everything comes together in one pan (plus a quick broil for the broccolini). Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, low-carb meal, or just something delicious that isn’t fussy, this one always delivers.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

• Fast & Flavorful: Ready in under 30 minutes without cutting corners on taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, more convenience.
• Family-Approved: Even picky eaters devour these chicken bites.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: The sauce is rich and indulgent, but simple to pull off.
• Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed cauliflower, or enjoy it as-is for a low-carb option.

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What Cut of Chicken Works Best for Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders are my go-to for this dish. They’re lean, easy to dice into bite-sized pieces, and they sear beautifully to a golden crust. If you prefer a juicier option, boneless chicken thighs work just as well—they bring a richer flavor and stay incredibly tender, especially in the creamy sauce.

No matter which cut you choose, the key is to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. This ensures each bite is perfectly seared and juicy inside.

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Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or adjusting to dietary needs, this recipe is flexible:

• Chicken Substitute: Swap with shrimp or tofu for a different protein twist. Shrimp cooks faster, so adjust time accordingly.
• Heavy Cream: You can use half-and-half or a full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version—just note the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago work in a pinch.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have any on hand, roasted red peppers give a sweet and smoky alternative.
• Broccolini: Regular broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can all be charred or roasted as stand-ins.
• Cajun Seasoning: Use a smoky paprika blend or even taco seasoning to spice things up differently.

This recipe gives you room to experiment without losing what makes it great.

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Ingredients for This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini

Chicken Breast or Thighs
The star of the recipe—cut into bite-sized pieces, they sear quickly and soak up all the sauce beautifully.

Olive Oil
Used for searing the chicken and roasting the broccolini, it adds flavor and helps develop a golden crust.

Garlic (freshly minced)
Adds bold, aromatic depth to both the chicken bites and Alfredo sauce.

Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
Melts into the sauce to add a salty, nutty richness. It’s also great for sprinkling over everything at the end.

Heavy Cream
Creates that velvety Alfredo base—creamy without being too heavy.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
Sweet, tangy, and concentrated in flavor—they bring life and color to the sauce.

Cajun Seasoning
Adds heat and a smoky edge, balancing out the creaminess of the sauce. Use more or less depending on your spice preference.

Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning each component along the way.

Fresh Parsley
Adds a fresh, bright finish and color contrast.

Broccolini
Charred until tender-crisp and slightly smoky, it’s the perfect veggie to pair with this creamy, savory dish.

Butter (optional)
Used for a final finish in the sauce or for extra richness when sautéing the garlic.

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Step 1: Prepare the Broccolini

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Trim the ends off the broccolini and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan. Roast for about 15–18 minutes until the edges are slightly charred and crispy, flipping halfway through.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the broccolini roasts, cut your chicken into evenly sized bites. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes total. Remove from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter (optional) and the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and remaining Cajun seasoning. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

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Step 4: Finish the Dish

Add the seared chicken back into the sauce, along with grated Parmesan. Stir to coat everything, letting it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld. Toss in a bit of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.

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Step 5: Plate and Serve

Serve the creamy chicken bites alongside the charred broccolini on a warm plate. Spoon extra sauce over the top for a decadent finish. Optionally, sprinkle more Parmesan or parsley just before serving.

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How Long to Cook the Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

This entire dish comes together surprisingly fast:

• Broccolini: 15–18 minutes in the oven at 425°F (220°C)
• Chicken Bites: About 6–8 minutes on the stovetop to sear and cook through
• Sauce: 6–7 minutes total to sauté, simmer, and blend flavors

Total time: You’re looking at about 25–30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a quick dinner that still feels special.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Keeps the bites uniform in size so they cook evenly and don’t dry out.
• Preheat Your Pan: A hot skillet ensures that perfect sear and golden crust on the chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook chicken in batches if necessary. Crowding the pan steams instead of sears.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated is best for that velvety Alfredo texture.
• Balance the Heat: Cajun seasoning varies—taste yours and adjust to your spice comfort level.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil the Sauce: Keep the heat moderate to avoid breaking the cream.
• Finish With Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds a layer of brightness that lifts the entire dish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken bites can go from juicy to dry quickly. As soon as they’re golden and cooked through, pull them off the heat.
• Skipping the Preheat: If your skillet isn’t hot enough, the chicken won’t sear—it’ll steam.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference in your sauce.
• Over-salting: Cajun seasoning and Parmesan both bring salt. Taste before adding extra.
• Boiling the Sauce: High heat can cause the cream to separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
• Not Draining the Sun-Dried Tomatoes Well: Too much oil can make the sauce greasy. Give them a quick pat with a paper towel after chopping.
• Ignoring the Broccolini Midway: Flip it halfway through roasting to get even char and tenderness.

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What to Serve With Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe?

Mashed Cauliflower

A creamy, low-carb base that soaks up all that Cajun Alfredo sauce perfectly.

Buttery Garlic Rice

Fluffy rice with a touch of garlic and butter makes a comforting side that balances the spice.

Pasta (Linguine or Penne)

If you want to stretch this dish into a pasta dinner, this sauce clings beautifully to noodles.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

A little crunch with a creamy center—perfect next to the tender chicken.

Simple Arugula Salad

A fresh, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Crusty Bread or Garlic Knots

To mop up every drop of sauce—because you’ll definitely want to.

Grilled Zucchini or Asparagus

Charred green veggies bring a smoky note and keep things light.

Creamy Polenta

Ultra-smooth and comforting, it’s like a hug in food form under those savory bites.

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Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Good news—this dish stores and reheats beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Store chicken bites and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep broccolini in a separate container to preserve its texture.
• Freezer: The chicken and sauce can be frozen (without the broccolini) for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened. Broccolini can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to revive its crisp edges.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)

Please note: These values are approximate and will vary depending on specific brands and substitutions used.

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Serving Size: 1/4 of total dish

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo sauce?

The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Some are mild, others pack serious heat. You can start with less and adjust to taste—it’s easy to add more, harder to take it away!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use full-fat coconut milk in place of cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. The sauce won’t be quite the same, but still delicious.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein, especially if you skip the pasta or rice and serve it with roasted veggies or mashed cauliflower.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can dice and season the chicken, roast the broccolini, and even make the sauce a day in advance. Store everything separately and reheat gently before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat the chicken and sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring often. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce is too thick. For the broccolini, reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crisp finish.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

You can! Just skip the searing step and add the shredded rotisserie chicken directly into the warmed sauce. It’s a great shortcut if you’re in a rush.

Will this work with other veggies?

Definitely. Asparagus, zucchini, green beans, or even sautéed spinach would work well. Just aim for something that holds up to the rich sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just make sure not to overcrowd your pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches for the best browning, and use a large skillet or Dutch oven for the sauce.

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Conclusion

This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini recipe proves that bold flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s got everything—crispy, tender chicken, a creamy Cajun-kissed sauce, and smoky veggies to tie it all together. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at the table, this dish never misses. It’s adaptable, satisfying, and downright craveable.

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