Name: Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 4 cloves garlic minced; 0.75 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped; 1.25 cups heavy cream; 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated 1 bunch broccolini trimmed 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

I make this dish at least once a week, and every time I do, it feels like the ultimate comfort meal with a gourmet twist. These garlic-parmesan chicken bites are golden and juicy, swimming in a velvety Cajun Alfredo sauce that’s been amped up with sun-dried tomatoes. The tangy, creamy, and spicy notes hit all the right places. And paired with smoky, charred broccolini? It’s magic on a plate.

What I love most is how deceptively easy it is. It looks impressive, tastes indulgent, but it’s actually a weeknight-friendly dinner I can whip up in under 30 minutes. No complicated techniques, just a few powerhouse ingredients working together. Whether you’re meal-prepping or planning a casual dinner, this one always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

Fast and flavorful: Cooks in about 25 minutes, with restaurant-level flavor.
Sauce lovers, rejoice: The Cajun Alfredo with sun-dried tomatoes is creamy, spicy, and unforgettable.
Versatile and balanced: High-protein chicken, low-carb, and loaded with vegetables.
Great for meal prep: Stores and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.
Kid and adult approved: The crispy golden bites win over even picky eaters.

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

For this recipe, I always go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and stay juicy when seared properly. But chicken thighs work just as well if you’re looking for extra richness and tenderness. Just make sure to cut them into equal-sized bites so they cook evenly.

If you’re in a pinch, pre-cut chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken chunks can be shortcuts, though you’ll miss out on that golden sear you get from cooking them fresh.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients? No stress—here’s how to adapt without sacrificing flavor:

Chicken: Swap for turkey breast, tofu (for a vegetarian option), or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
Parmesan: Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a spoon of nutritional yeast can fill in.
Heavy cream: Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk work if you need dairy-free alternatives.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Roasted red peppers or tomato paste can add similar sweetness and depth.
Cajun seasoning: A mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper will do the trick.
Broccolini: Regular broccoli, asparagus, or green beans char beautifully as well.

This recipe is forgiving, so feel free to make it your own with what you have on hand.

Ingredients for This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building flavor and texture—nothing here is just filler.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These are the star of the show. Cut into bites, they sear beautifully and stay juicy inside.
Garlic (freshly minced) – Adds that bold, aromatic base that makes the sauce irresistibly savory.
Parmesan cheese (finely grated) – Brings saltiness, depth, and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Heavy cream – This is what gives the Alfredo sauce its silky, rich texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil) – These little flavor bombs add tangy sweetness and umami to the sauce.
Cajun seasoning – Adds warmth, a gentle heat, and complexity. It gives this dish its signature kick.
Olive oil – Needed for searing the chicken and broccolini while infusing both with flavor.
Butter – Enhances richness in both the sear and the sauce. Use real butter for the best results.
Fresh parsley – Adds freshness and a pop of green to balance out the creaminess.
Broccolini – Slightly bitter and tender when charred, it contrasts the creamy chicken beautifully.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer from the chicken to the vegetables.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Broccolini

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of Cajun seasoning. Trim the ends of the broccolini and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and a small knob of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken bites in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear until golden brown on each side, about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on size. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Char the Broccolini

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the broccolini. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes until you see a char. Stir occasionally and cook until tender-crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Lower the heat slightly. Add minced garlic and a touch more butter to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Cajun Seasoning

Whisk in the grated Parmesan and more Cajun seasoning (to taste). Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens into a creamy Alfredo-style sauce.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the seared chicken bites to the pan and toss them in the sauce until fully coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve the chicken bites alongside the charred broccolini, spoon extra sauce over the top, and finish with chopped fresh parsley.

How Long to Cook the Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

This entire dish comes together in about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish:

Chicken sear: 6–8 minutes
Broccolini char: 6–8 minutes
Sauce preparation and finishing: 10–12 minutes

Of course, cooking times can vary slightly based on the size of your chicken bites and the heat of your stove, but it’s a fast and flavorful dish you can easily fit into a busy schedule.

Tips for Perfect Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites

Pat your chicken dry before seasoning: This helps achieve a golden sear and prevents steaming.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed. Crowding leads to uneven browning.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
Let the sauce simmer gently: Avoid boiling, which can cause it to break or become grainy.
Char, don’t steam, the broccolini: Letting it sit undisturbed in the pan helps develop that smoky edge.
Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning: Spice levels can vary, so add gradually until it’s just right for you.
Finish with a touch of acid (optional): A squeeze of lemon over the dish can brighten all the creamy, savory flavors.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, a few small missteps can throw it off. Keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:

Using wet chicken: Moisture on the chicken will stop it from browning and make it rubbery. Always pat it dry before searing.
Skipping the resting step: Let the chicken sit for a couple minutes after searing—this helps retain its juices when added to the sauce.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. If your pan is too hot, it’ll turn bitter. Keep the heat medium-low when adding it.
Overcooking the cream sauce: Boiling will cause it to split. A gentle simmer keeps it smooth and luscious.
Overloading the pan with broccolini: Cook in a single layer so it can char instead of steam.
Not seasoning each component: Season as you go—chicken, veggies, sauce. Layered flavor makes a huge difference.

What to Serve With Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites

This dish is already balanced with protein, vegetables, and a rich sauce, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are some great pairing options:

Buttery Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up that Cajun Alfredo sauce—don’t let any go to waste.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A soft and neutral base that balances the spice and adds extra comfort.

Parmesan Polenta

Silky and cheesy, polenta complements the texture of the chicken and broccolini beautifully.

Cauliflower Rice

A low-carb option that still carries the sauce well.

Pasta (Linguine or Fettuccine)

Toss some noodles in that sauce and make it a full-blown Alfredo pasta dinner.

Simple Arugula Salad

Adds freshness and a peppery bite to cut through the creamy richness.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Naturally sweet, earthy, and great with Cajun spice.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Charred and sweet corn pairs well with the smoky broccolini and Cajun flavors.

Storage Instructions

One of the great things about this recipe is how well it stores—you can easily make it ahead or save leftovers for later without losing flavor.

Refrigerator: Store the chicken bites, sauce, and broccolini in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep them separate if possible to maintain texture.
Freezer: The chicken and sauce freeze well for up to 2 months. Let cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.

Avoid freezing the broccolini if you want to keep its crisp-tender texture—it’s best made fresh.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

Please note these values are approximate and can vary depending on the exact brands and measurements used:

Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 38g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 640mg

This dish is relatively low in carbs, high in protein, and rich in healthy fats—perfect for a balanced dinner that satisfies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat and combine just before serving for best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the Cajun seasoning, but it’s not overly spicy. You can dial the heat up or down by adjusting how much seasoning you use.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

If you’re short on time, yes—but the flavor won’t be as rich or fresh. The homemade sauce takes less than 10 minutes and is well worth it.

What’s a good dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

Full-fat canned coconut milk works well in place of heavy cream and keeps the sauce creamy, though it adds a slight coconut flavor.

Can I bake the chicken bites instead of searing them?

Absolutely. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes or until fully cooked, then toss them in the sauce before serving.

How do I keep the sauce from breaking?

Simmer the cream gently—never boil it. Also, add the Parmesan slowly while stirring constantly for a smooth, emulsified sauce.

Can I use frozen broccolini?

You can, but fresh is better for achieving that charred, crisp-tender finish. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before sautéing.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and fits well into a keto lifestyle. Just skip any high-carb sides like bread or pasta.

Conclusion

This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini recipe is everything I want in a quick dinner—bold flavors, rich textures, and zero fuss. It tastes like something you’d get at a fancy bistro, but it’s simple enough to make after a long day.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping lunches for the week, or just cooking for yourself, this recipe hits all the marks. It’s cozy, a little spicy, and wildly satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how fast it becomes a regular in your rotation.