Name: Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Fusion
Ingredients: 500g chicken breast or thighs, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for broccolini); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

This Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini recipe was born out of one of those spontaneous kitchen experiments that just clicked. I was craving something rich and comforting, yet balanced and vibrant. The result? Tender, seared chicken bites smothered in a creamy, slightly spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, all paired with crisp-tender broccolini that’s been charred just right. The combination is outrageously good — satisfying without being too heavy, packed with flavor, and shockingly easy to make.

What I love most about this dish is how effortlessly it comes together. You don’t need to spend hours marinating or chopping. The bold flavors build quickly — the garlic caramelizes into the chicken, the Parmesan gives that nutty, salty depth, and the Alfredo sauce? It’s next-level creamy with a touch of smokiness from the Cajun spices and the sun-dried tomatoes. The broccolini adds that slightly bitter char that keeps each bite balanced. It’s the kind of dinner that turns a random Tuesday into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini

This recipe has everything: juicy chicken with crispy edges, velvety sauce bursting with umami, and greens that actually taste like something you’d want to eat. It’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re chasing bold flavor, easy clean-up, or a balanced plate, this one ticks every box.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites?

I usually go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook quickly, stay juicy when seared right, and soak up the garlic-Parmesan goodness beautifully. But honestly, chicken thighs work just as well — they’re a little more forgiving and bring even more flavor thanks to their natural fat content. If you prefer bite-sized pieces with extra tenderness, chicken tenderloins are also a great option. Just make sure whatever cut you use is trimmed and patted dry before seasoning for that perfect golden sear.

Options for Substitutions

This dish is super flexible if you need to swap out ingredients:

Chicken: As mentioned, you can use chicken thighs or even tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for an alternative protein.
Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are solid substitutes with similar salty, nutty profiles.
Heavy Cream: You can lighten the sauce by using half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version (though it will alter the flavor).
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes (pan-roasted) offer a similar sweet-tangy burst if you’re out of sun-dried.
Broccolini: Regular broccoli, asparagus, or even green beans will work — just be sure to give them that slight char.
Cajun Seasoning: Swap with Creole seasoning, or make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne.

This recipe’s base is strong, so it can handle adjustments while still delivering bold, satisfying flavor.

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

Chicken breast (or thighs): The star of the show — juicy, seared pieces that soak up all the flavors of the sauce.
Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic depth and blends beautifully into both the chicken and Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Brings that salty, nutty umami kick to both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce — it’s what gives it that velvety, indulgent texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed with tangy, concentrated tomato flavor that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
Cajun seasoning: Adds heat, smokiness, and depth to the sauce, making it pop.
Butter: Helps with searing the chicken and forming the base of the sauce with cream and cheese.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the broccolini and chicken — helps get that golden, crisp exterior.
Broccolini: Adds balance to the dish — slightly bitter, fresh, and charred to perfection.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning at each step, enhancing all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley or basil (optional): For garnish and a pop of freshness that finishes the dish beautifully.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels — this is key for a good sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a light coating of Cajun seasoning. Mince your garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and grate the Parmesan if it’s not pre-shredded. Trim the broccolini stems and set everything aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle some olive oil and sear the chicken bites in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Char the Broccolini

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil and toss in the broccolini. Let it char undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, then stir and cook another 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender with some browned edges. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir briefly. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan and Cajun seasoning. Let it thicken for a few minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the Alfredo sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so everything soaks up the flavor. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve the saucy chicken bites alongside the charred broccolini. Finish with chopped parsley or basil and a final sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling generous.

How Long to Cook the Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking the chicken: 6–8 minutes total
Charred broccolini: 5–6 minutes
Sauce and final assembly: 8–10 minutes

Because the chicken is cut into small bites, it cooks fast, and the Alfredo sauce thickens quickly. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed.

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

Dry your chicken well before searing. Moisture prevents browning and you want those crispy edges.
Don’t crowd the pan. Cook chicken in batches if necessary — overcrowding steams it instead of searing.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better into the sauce and gives you a smoother texture.
Let the sauce simmer gently. High heat can cause it to break or separate.
Char the broccolini without moving it too much. Letting it sit undisturbed helps develop that caramelized edge.
Taste and adjust. Cajun seasoning blends vary — you might need to tweak salt, pepper, or heat levels.
Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving for a burst of brightness and color.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using wet chicken: If you skip patting the chicken dry, you’ll end up with pale, soggy bites instead of that golden, crispy edge.
Overcooking the chicken: Small bites cook fast — leaving them too long on the pan dries them out. Pull them once they’re just cooked through.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly — if it browns too much before adding cream, it can turn bitter and ruin the sauce.
Overcrowding the skillet: This traps steam, preventing searing. Always give your ingredients space.
Letting the sauce boil hard: Alfredo sauces should simmer, not boil. High heat can make the cream separate or curdle.
Undercooking broccolini: Char adds flavor, but it still needs to be tender — taste it for doneness.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.

What to Serve With Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini?

Buttery Garlic Bread

The perfect tool to scoop up every last drop of that Cajun Alfredo sauce.

Lemon Herb Rice

A light, zesty side that balances the richness of the dish beautifully.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Pure comfort — these pair effortlessly with the saucy chicken bites.

Caesar Salad

The crunch and tangy dressing offer contrast and freshness.

Parmesan Polenta

Creamy, cheesy, and ideal for catching the Alfredo sauce.

Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)

A lighter, low-carb option that still delivers a great texture under the saucy bites.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Golden, crunchy edges with fluffy centers — a classic with bold flavor.

Chili-Lime Corn on the Cob

A spicy-sweet veggie side that complements the Cajun kick in the sauce.

Storage Instructions

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly after chilling, but it reheats well with a splash of cream, milk, or even a little chicken broth to loosen it up. Warm over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Avoid freezing this dish — creamy sauces tend to separate and lose their smooth texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~520
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~16g
Fat: ~35g
Saturated Fat: ~18g
Sugar: ~4g
Fiber: ~3g
Cholesterol: ~145mg
Sodium: ~820mg

These numbers may vary depending on exact ingredients used and portion sizes. If you’re tracking macros closely, a detailed breakdown using your specific brands is best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken, sauce, and broccolini ahead — just store them separately. Reheat gently and combine right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick from the Cajun seasoning. You can reduce or omit it for a more mild version, or add cayenne if you like it fiery.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead?

Technically yes, but the homemade version is much richer and fresher. If you’re short on time, go ahead — just jazz it up with garlic, Cajun seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes to mimic the flavor.

What’s the best substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers are a great option, or even sautéed cherry tomatoes if you want something fresher.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using coconut cream and nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, though the flavor and texture will shift slightly. Still tasty, just a bit different.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from separating.

Can I double this recipe for guests?

Absolutely. Just sear the chicken in batches and keep everything warm as you go. The sauce can be doubled easily, but make sure you’ve got a big enough skillet or pot.

What wine pairs well with this?

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. You want something crisp to cut through the richness of the Alfredo.

Conclusion

This Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini recipe is proof that bold, comforting, and elevated flavors don’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies your craving for something creamy and indulgent while still feeling balanced thanks to the charred greens and zesty Cajun notes. Whether you’re cooking for family, a date night, or just treating yourself — this one’s a keeper.