Description

Sticky-sweet Maple Garlic Chicken Bites tossed in a bold glaze, served over creamy Spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta, and paired with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts. This trio hits every flavor note—from spicy to sweet to umami—and is perfect for both cozy nights in and flavorful meal prep.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

1⁄3 cup maple syrup

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon butter (for searing)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon butter (for Alfredo sauce)

1⁄2 cup reserved pasta water

1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt

Optional: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sear chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side. Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; cook until fragrant.

4. Stir in maple syrup, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer until thickened (2–3 minutes), then toss the chicken in the glaze. Let bubble for 1 more minute.

5. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil and sea salt. Roast cut-side down on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes or until crispy and browned.

6. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1⁄2 cup of pasta water and drain.

7. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in Cajun seasoning. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan and stir until smooth. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

8. Toss cooked pasta in Cajun Alfredo sauce.

9. Plate pasta, top with maple garlic chicken, and add crispy Brussels sprouts. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

For extra crispy Brussels, don’t overcrowd the pan—give each piece space to roast, not steam.

Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s key for silky Alfredo sauce.

Maple syrup quality matters: use real maple, not pancake syrup, for best flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop + Oven
Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (includes pasta, chicken, and sprouts)
Calories: 610
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: maple garlic chicken, Cajun Alfredo, Brussels sprouts