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Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo

Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo

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If you’re craving a dish that balances sweet, savory, and spicy in every bite, Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo might just become your new go-to. These juicy chicken bites are glazed in a sticky maple garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully, offering both depth of flavor and irresistible aroma. Paired with a creamy, Cajun-spiced Alfredo pasta, the result is pure comfort food with a Southern twist.

What makes this combination so magical is how the maple sweetness mellows the bold heat of Cajun seasoning, while the creamy Alfredo sauce ties it all together. It’s a restaurant-quality plate you can easily bring to your own kitchen – perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a crowd-pleasing weekend treat.


What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For tender, juicy bites, boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh works best. Breast meat is leaner and cooks quickly, while thighs offer a richer, more succulent flavor. Whichever you choose, aim for uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and soak up the maple garlic glaze.


Ingredients for Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh – the star protein that absorbs the sweet-savory sauce.
  • Maple syrup – lends natural sweetness and helps create a glossy caramelized coating.
  • Garlic – brings a robust aroma and savory punch.
  • Butter – enriches both the chicken glaze and Alfredo sauce.
  • Heavy cream – the foundation of a silky Alfredo base.
  • Parmesan cheese – for salty, nutty richness.
  • Cajun seasoning – adds heat and depth to the Alfredo.
  • Fettuccine or linguine pasta – ideal for catching every bit of creamy sauce.
  • Olive oil – for searing the chicken to perfection.
  • Fresh parsley – a bright finishing touch.
  • Salt and pepper – to balance and enhance flavors.
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How To Make the Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and cut into uniform bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear and Glaze

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear chicken until golden. Add butter, garlic, and maple syrup, tossing until the glaze thickens and coats each piece.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil fettuccine or linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter, stir in Cajun seasoning, then pour in heavy cream. Let it simmer before whisking in Parmesan until smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the pasta in Alfredo sauce, using pasta water to adjust consistency. Plate with maple garlic chicken bites and sprinkle with fresh parsley.


Serving and Storing

Serve immediately while hot, with extra Parmesan on top if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s texture.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey works well but will give a slightly different flavor profile.

What pasta works best for Cajun Alfredo?

Fettuccine or linguine are classic choices, but penne or rigatoni also work.

Can I make it less spicy?

Absolutely – simply reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild version.

How do I keep chicken bites juicy?

Avoid overcooking. Remove from heat as soon as they reach 165°F internally.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, but reheat it gently to avoid splitting the cream.


Want More Savory Dinner Ideas?

If you love these Maple Garlic Chicken Bites, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

For more recipes I share daily, visit my Pinterest – Life with Jam.


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 amp up the spice or keep it mild? Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles? I love seeing how others make these recipes their own.


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Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo

Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo


  • Author: Jam Scott
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Sweet, sticky maple-garlic chicken bites paired with creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta. The glaze caramelizes on the chicken while the rich sauce clings to every strand of fettuccine—comfort food with a bold kick that’s still weeknight-easy.


Ingredients

1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for chicken)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

12 oz fettuccine (or linguine)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sauce)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (to taste)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more to serve


Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry. Toss with salt and pepper.

2. Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 5-7 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.

3. Glaze: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 Tbsp butter and the minced garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in maple syrup and toss until the chicken is glossy and the glaze lightly thickens (1-2 minutes). Remove from heat; keep warm.

4. Boil Pasta: Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.

5. Start Sauce: In a second skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter (and olive oil if using). Stir in Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes; warm 15 seconds.

6. Make Alfredo: Pour in heavy cream; simmer gently 2-3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth.

7. Finish Pasta: Add drained pasta to the sauce, loosening with splashes of reserved pasta water until silky.

8. Serve: Plate Cajun Alfredo, top (or side) with maple garlic chicken bites, and shower with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Warm, Not Boiling: Keep the Alfredo at a gentle simmer so the cream does not split and the cheese melts smoothly.

Same-Size Bites: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly and glaze at the same time.

Adjust the Heat: Start with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; add more (and/or red pepper flakes) after tasting the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 820
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 72 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg

Keywords: maple garlic chicken bites, cajun alfredo, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner

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