Description

Craving something bold, comforting, and unforgettable? Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Brussels Twists combines three flavor-packed components in one satisfying dish. The juicy chicken bites are glazed with sticky-sweet maple garlic sauce, perfectly balanced by creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta. Roasted Brussels sprouts add a crispy, earthy contrast that ties the bowl together. Ideal for easy dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, or meal prep with flair — this dish brings gourmet flavor to your kitchen in under an hour. It’s one of the best food ideas when you’re craving something rich, spicy, and a little sweet all at once.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

0.25 cup maple syrup

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)

3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)

1 cup heavy cream, room temperature

0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt, to taste

0.5 cup pasta water (reserved)

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

1.5 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or dill)

Instructions

1. Trim and halve Brussels sprouts, cube chicken, mince garlic, and prep all ingredients.

2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss Brussels with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast cut-side down on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes until crispy. Finish with lemon zest and herbs.

3. Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.

4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Sear chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until golden and cooked through.

5. Lower heat, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Add maple syrup and soy sauce. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes until sticky. Garnish with parsley.

6. In a saucepan, melt butter. Sauté garlic, then add cream, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

7. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Add pasta and reserved water, toss to coat. Adjust seasoning.

8. Plate Alfredo pasta, top with maple garlic chicken, and serve with crispy Brussels sprouts. Garnish and enjoy.

Notes

Use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling in the Alfredo sauce.

Don’t skip reducing the maple glaze — it creates that sticky, glossy finish on the chicken.

To keep Brussels crispy when reheating, use an air fryer or oven instead of a microwave.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Searing, Roasting, Simmering
Cuisine: Fusion-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 695
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Easy dinner, spicy pasta, chicken bites, maple garlic, Cajun Alfredo, healthy comfort food, Brussels sprouts