Description
This Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists recipe is the kind of weeknight winner you’ll make again and again. Sticky, sweet chicken bites coated in a rich maple garlic glaze, creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce tossed with fettuccine, and caramelized crispy Brussels sprouts on the side—it’s the ultimate comfort food mashup. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a quick weeknight meal, or a crowd-pleasing pasta recipe, this dish brings flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite. It’s ideal for a cozy night in, yet elegant enough to serve for guests.
Ingredients
500g chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons maple syrup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons butter (for glaze)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
250g fettuccine pasta
300g Brussels sprouts, halved
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon butter (for Alfredo)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic, maple syrup, and soy sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the maple glaze, then remove from heat.
5. In another pan, heat olive oil and add Brussels sprouts cut-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until caramelized. Toss and cook 2–3 minutes more.
6. Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
7. In a saucepan, melt butter and pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently, then stir in Cajun seasoning and Parmesan until smooth.
8. Toss cooked fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce. Add pasta water as needed for consistency.
9. Plate pasta, top with maple garlic chicken, add Brussels sprouts, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Let your Parmesan cheese come to room temperature before stirring into the sauce—it melts more smoothly this way.
Avoid crowding the Brussels sprouts in the pan; it helps them get extra crispy.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste—start small, then build the heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken bites, maple garlic chicken, cajun alfredo, brussels sprouts, pasta recipe