Description
Looking for bold dinner ideas packed with sweet heat, creamy comfort, and a touch of crunch? These Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists deliver exactly that. Tender chicken is coated in a spicy, sticky honey garlic glaze, then paired with rich Cajun Alfredo pasta and crisp roasted broccoli. It’s an easy recipe full of flavor and balance—perfect for an easy dinner, a quick meal prep, or a creative weeknight option that feels like a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you’re after food ideas with texture, bold taste, or quick comfort, this one’s got you covered.
Ingredients
450g chicken breast, boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter (for glaze)
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce
200g rotini pasta
1 tablespoon butter (for Alfredo)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (for Alfredo)
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
250g broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil (for broccoli)
Fresh basil, optional for garnish
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, honey, and hot sauce. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened. Return chicken to pan and toss in the glaze.
4. Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
5. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in Cajun seasoning. Add cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Toss cooked pasta in the Cajun Alfredo sauce.
8. Plate the creamy pasta with glazed chicken bites and roasted broccoli on the side. Garnish with fresh basil if using.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth Alfredo—pre-shredded can turn gritty.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s a secret weapon for perfect sauce texture.
For extra heat lovers, serve with a side of hot sauce for drizzling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: easy dinner, hot honey chicken, Cajun Alfredo, broccoli twist, quick dinner, spicy sweet chicken, creamy pasta