Description
Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo is the perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors—an easy recipe that’s ideal for a quick dinner or indulgent weekend treat. Juicy chicken bites are glazed in a garlicky maple sauce and paired with a rich Cajun Alfredo pasta, making this one of those dinner ideas that’s as impressive as it is simple. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, food ideas to impress guests, or just a cozy comfort meal, this healthy-ish and flavor-packed recipe fits the bill.
Ingredients
500g boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
250g fettuccine or linguine pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add maple syrup, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Return chicken to the pan and coat in the glaze.
4. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
5. In another skillet, melt butter and stir in Cajun seasoning. Add heavy cream and bring to a light simmer. Mix in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Plate pasta and top with glazed chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use chicken breast if preferred, but watch cook time to avoid dryness.
Adjust Cajun seasoning and chili flakes for your spice level.
Add a splash of pasta water to loosen sauce if needed when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, spicy Alfredo, maple chicken, dinner ideas, easy recipe