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 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed; 1 tbsp olive oil (for broccolini); 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

There are days when I crave something rich and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s when this Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites recipe comes to the rescue. These juicy, golden chicken bites are seared to perfection, tossed in a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce with a sun-dried tomato Cajun twist, and paired with vibrant, slightly charred broccolini. It’s a beautiful harmony of flavors — a little spicy, deeply savory, and just the right touch of indulgent.

What I love most is how it feels like a weekend dinner, but it comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a crowd-pleaser, yet fancy enough to impress your guests. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to dip everything in that sauce — spoonfuls of it over rice, pasta, or even crusty bread. This dish has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight go-tos, and once you try it, I think you’ll see why.

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

It’s fast – Ready in around 30 minutes, it’s weeknight dinner perfection.
Packed with flavor – The garlic-parmesan and sun-dried tomato Cajun Alfredo sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Protein-rich – Lean chicken bites make it filling without being heavy.
Customizable – Great with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or on its own.
One-pan magic – Less mess, less cleanup.
Balanced – You get creamy, spicy, savory chicken with the charred freshness of broccolini.

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

I always reach for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They’re lean, cook quickly, and absorb flavor like a sponge — perfect for pan-searing and soaking up all that creamy garlic-Parmesan-Cajun goodness. If you’re more of a dark meat fan, boneless chicken thighs also work beautifully. They’re a bit juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just be sure to cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and brown well.

Options for Substitutions

While this recipe is easy to stick to, it’s also flexible. Here are some swaps you can make without sacrificing flavor:

Chicken: Use turkey breast or even tofu for a meatless version.
Cream: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a light cream alternative if you want a dairy-reduced option.
Parmesan: Try Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free hard cheese substitute.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes can work in a pinch, sautéed briefly to bring out their sweetness.
Broccolini: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are great replacements — just sear or roast them similarly.
Cajun seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun spice, a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and salt will do the trick.
Butter: Olive oil can be used instead if you’re avoiding dairy altogether.

These little tweaks make it easy to adapt the dish to your pantry or dietary preferences without losing the magic.

Ingredients for This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

Chicken breast
Lean and protein-rich, this is the base of the recipe. Cut into bite-sized pieces, it cooks quickly and soaks up flavor beautifully.

Salt and pepper
Simple, but essential for seasoning the chicken before searing.

Garlic (fresh, minced)
It infuses the sauce with that warm, unmistakable flavor that ties everything together.

Butter
Adds richness and helps brown the chicken while forming the base of the sauce.

Heavy cream
Gives the sauce its luxurious texture — smooth, silky, and perfectly coats each bite.

Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Melts into the sauce for that deep, nutty, cheesy flavor we crave in a garlic-Parmesan dish.

Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
Adds a punch of sweetness and tang that balances the creaminess of the sauce.

Cajun seasoning
Delivers smoky, spicy depth that keeps each bite exciting and well-rounded.

Broccolini
Lightly charred, this green veggie offers a crisp contrast to the creamy chicken bites — balancing out the richness and adding texture.

Olive oil
Used for searing the broccolini and helping the chicken brown evenly.

Fresh parsley (chopped)
A finishing touch that adds color and a pop of freshness right before serving.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by chopping the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Mince your garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, grate the Parmesan, and trim the broccolini so it’s ready to sear.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear them for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Char the Broccolini

In the same pan, drizzle a little more olive oil if needed and toss in the broccolini. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get some char, then stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Cajun seasoning. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Add the grated Parmesan to the sauce and stir until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated. Let everything simmer together for a minute or two so the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Serve the creamy garlic-Parmesan chicken bites alongside the charred broccolini. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and get ready to dig in.

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

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25 to 30 minutes:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes

The chicken bites only need around 6–8 minutes to cook through, and the broccolini chars in about 5. The sauce comes together quickly in the same pan, making this a true weeknight winner.

Tips for Perfect Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites

Cut the chicken evenly: Uniform pieces mean even cooking and consistent browning.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed to get a beautiful golden crust instead of steaming.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a richer, nuttier flavor than pre-shredded versions.
Let the sauce simmer gently: Avoid high heat when the cream is added — a gentle simmer prevents curdling and keeps the sauce smooth.
Taste as you go: Cajun seasoning blends can vary, so adjust the salt and spice level to your preference.
Char the broccolini properly: Let it sit undisturbed in the pan to get those crisp, caramelized edges.
Finish with herbs: Fresh parsley at the end adds color and brightness that balances the richness of the sauce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the chicken: Because the pieces are small, they cook fast. Keep an eye on them — dry chicken can ruin the whole dish.
Skipping the sear: That golden crust on the chicken adds tons of flavor. Don’t just cook it until pale — aim for browning.
Using low heat for broccolini: A quick, hot sear is key to getting that char. Low heat will just steam it and make it limp.
Adding cheese too fast: Dumping Parmesan into boiling cream can make it clump. Stir slowly into a gently simmering sauce.
Not seasoning each layer: Season the chicken, taste the sauce — layering flavor makes a difference.
Crowding the pan: It’s tempting to toss everything in at once, but a crowded skillet leads to soggy chicken and broccolini.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It won’t melt as well and can make your sauce grainy due to anti-caking agents.

What to Serve With Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A neutral, fluffy base that soaks up all the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce beautifully.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy meets creamy — this pairing is all about indulgence and comfort.

Buttered Pasta (like fettuccine or penne)

A great option if you want to turn this into a full pasta dish with minimal effort.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Adds a crispy contrast and turns this into a hearty, filling plate.

Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up every last bit of that addictive sauce.

Cauliflower Rice

A low-carb option that still feels satisfying and pairs well with the richness.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery greens tossed with lemon and olive oil help cut through the creaminess.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

The sweetness of corn plays nicely with the smoky Cajun flavors in the sauce.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), this dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken bites, sauce, and charred broccolini together in an airtight container.

To reheat, warm gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave in short intervals. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of cream or milk to loosen it back up. I don’t recommend freezing — the creamy sauce can separate and lose its texture once thawed.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~540
Protein: 40g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Cholesterol: 140mg

These values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredient brands and substitutions. Still, it’s a solid protein-rich meal with moderate carbs and a good balance of indulgence and vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead — chop the chicken, mince the garlic, and even make the sauce. But for the best texture and flavor, cook it fresh when you’re ready to eat.

How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo sauce?

It has a mild to moderate heat, depending on your Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less or mixing in a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes — as long as your Cajun seasoning and Parmesan are certified gluten-free, the recipe itself contains no gluten-based ingredients.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

It’s doable! Swap the butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream (like coconut or cashew), and substitute Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re out, try sautéed cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers. They’ll offer a similar sweetness and color.

Can I double the sauce for pasta?

Absolutely! Double the cream, garlic, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning to make enough to coat pasta generously.

Can I use frozen broccolini or veggies?

Fresh is best for charring, but frozen broccolini can work if thawed and well-drained. You can also sub with roasted green beans or asparagus.

Conclusion

This Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo and Charred Broccolini is what happens when comfort food meets a little kitchen flair. It’s bold, creamy, full of texture, and ready in under 30 minutes — no compromises needed. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just need a quick weeknight win, this dish delivers every time. Once you master the balance of spice, cream, and char, it just might become a new go-to in your kitchen rotation.