Juicy, pan-seared chicken bites coated in garlic-parmesan goodness meet a luscious sun-dried tomato Cajun Alfredo that’s as rich as it is fiery. Each bite delivers creamy heat, perfectly balanced with the sweet smokiness of sun-dried tomatoes and Cajun spices.

Add a vibrant side of charred broccolini, kissed with garlic and olive oil, and you’ve got a weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant special. This dish is big on bold flavor but simple in execution, making it perfect for both busy evenings and lazy weekend indulgence.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for This Recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully for this dish. They sear nicely, absorb seasoning well, and maintain tenderness when cooked quickly. If you prefer darker meat, boneless chicken thighs will give you a slightly richer flavor and more moisture.

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

Chicken breasts: The star protein. Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick searing and more surface area for seasoning.
Garlic: Essential for infusing the chicken and broccolini with bold, savory depth.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami, richness, and a golden crust to the chicken bites.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring a sweet tang and chewy texture to the Alfredo sauce.
Heavy cream: The base for a luscious Alfredo, making everything silky and indulgent.
Cajun seasoning: For that spicy, smoky kick that wakes up the whole dish.
Butter: Helps carry flavor and gives the sauce a glossy finish.
Olive oil: Used to sauté and char the broccolini and sear the chicken.
Broccolini: The ideal crisp-tender side. Slightly bitter, perfectly charred.
Salt and pepper: To season and balance flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness to finish the plate.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and a bit of Cajun seasoning. Sear until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Add minced garlic and toss for 1 minute. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook until softened. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Season with more Cajun seasoning, then stir in grated Parmesan until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Char the Broccolini

Heat a second skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add olive oil and broccolini. Let cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to char, then flip and cook until tender, about 5–7 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and minced garlic during the last minute.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Return the chicken to the Alfredo sauce and coat well. Plate alongside the broccolini, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad, roasted potatoes, or over pasta to soak up the Alfredo. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to keep the sauce luscious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken. It won’t be as rich but still tasty.

Is broccolini the same as broccoli?

Not quite—broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It has a more delicate, sweet flavor and thinner stalks.

How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo?

It has a kick, but it’s not overwhelming. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the Cajun seasoning.

Can I make the Alfredo sauce in advance?

Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat slowly before using.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this bold and creamy skillet is your kind of comfort food, here are a few other hearty options to try:

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet with velvety spiced sauce.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for an easy, hands-off dinner.
Cajun Shrimp Scampi if you like that bold Louisiana flavor.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for another one-skillet creamy favorite.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup if you’re craving all the comfort in a bowl.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it extra spicy? Serve it over pasta or keep it low-carb?

I love seeing the creative spins you take with these recipes. If you have any questions, drop them below—let’s get cooking together!

More daily recipes and ideas are waiting for you on my Pinterest: Life with Jam

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

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A bold and creamy weeknight dinner that brings the heat and comfort in one skillet. Garlic-Parmesan chicken bites are served in a luscious Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, alongside charred broccolini for a smoky, crisp-tender side.

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

2. Add minced garlic to the chicken and cook for 1 minute. Remove chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan. Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add butter and stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.

4. Pour in heavy cream. Once simmering, add remaining Cajun seasoning and stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

5. Return chicken to the pan, coating it in the Alfredo sauce.

6. In another skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add broccolini and cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook 5–7 minutes more, adding garlic and salt toward the end.

7. Plate the chicken with charred broccolini, spoon sauce over, and garnish with parsley if desired.