Description

Craving something that checks all the boxes—crispy, creamy, smoky, and downright satisfying? These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoked Cajun Alfredo are the ultimate dinner idea. This easy recipe brings together juicy chicken with a golden Parmesan crust, paired with a quick Alfredo sauce infused with Cajun spice and smoky depth. Perfect for weeknight meals, indulgent date nights, or when you’re just looking for bold food ideas. If you love easy dinner dishes or need fresh dinner inspiration, this one’s a must-try.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic minced

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

10 ounces fettuccine

Salt for boiling water

Fresh chopped chives or parsley optional

Extra grated Parmesan optional

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken chunks dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika.

3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, and press into breadcrumb mixture until coated. Let rest 10 minutes.

4. Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

5. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F and fry chicken in batches until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to wire rack.

6. Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic, add cream, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.

7. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Add a bit of reserved water to loosen if needed.

8. Serve pasta in bowls topped with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with herbs and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Let the breaded chicken rest before frying for a crispier coating.

Use freshly grated Parmesan in both the coating and the sauce for best melt and flavor.

Reheat Alfredo sauce gently with added milk or cream to maintain its creamy texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop & Frying
Cuisine: American-Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 790
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 840mg
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 23g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 185mg

Keywords: easy dinner, crispy chicken, Alfredo pasta, quick recipe, Cajun Alfredo, food ideas, chicken bites, pasta dinner