Sometimes you just need something warm and cheesy. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are the ultimate comfort food. They bring bold restaurant flavors right to your kitchen table. It is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly fall evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love how fast this meal comes together. It takes less than 45 minutes from start to finish. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are perfect for fall nights. The creamy Cajun sauce adds a lovely kick to every bite. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Simple Method
Making this dish is much easier than it looks. You start by searing the breaded chicken until golden. Then, you whisk together a simple cream sauce in the same pan. The broccolini gets a quick char for a fresh crunch. Even if you are a beginner, you can master this sauce.
What You Need
This recipe uses mostly pantry staples and fresh chicken breasts.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese for coating
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese for sauce
- 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Step-by-Step
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken cubes with 1/2 cup parmesan, panko, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; toss until thoroughly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken bites for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the volume reduces slightly.
- Whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Return the chicken bites to the skillet to coat with sauce.
- In a separate cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat, toss broccolini with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp and charred.
- Serve the garlic-parmesan chicken and alfredo sauce immediately over a bed of the charred broccolini.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites while the sauce is still warm. The charred broccolini provides a fresh and healthy balance. You can pair this with some crusty garlic bread. It is also great over a small bed of pasta. Set the table and enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat the chicken and sauce gently on the stove. Use a low heat setting to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid the microwave to keep the chicken coating from getting soggy.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
- Watch the garlic closely so it does not burn and turn bitter.
- Swap the broccolini for regular broccoli florets if needed.
- Cut your chicken into even cubes for consistent cooking.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the cream sauce.
- Double the Cajun seasoning if you love a spicy kick.
- For a holiday gathering, double the batch to feed a crowd.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-friendly version.
- Swap the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers in the summer.
- Try using shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein.
- Add fresh spinach to the sauce for extra greens.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce earlier in the day. However, it is best when served immediately for the best texture. Reheating slowly on the stove works well for leftovers.
Is this recipe too spicy for kids?
The Cajun seasoning provides a mild warmth rather than intense heat. You can reduce the amount to half a tablespoon for picky eaters. Most kids love the creamy, cheesy sauce.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon easily. It will also thicken more once you whisk in the parmesan. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk.
I hope these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites become a new favorite. They are so satisfying and simple to make for your family. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite tonight.
— Alex
Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese for coating
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 bunch broccolini , trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese for sauce
- 1/4 cup oil -packed sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken cubes with 1/2 cup parmesan, panko, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; toss until thoroughly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken bites for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the volume reduces slightly.
- Whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Return the chicken bites to the skillet to coat with sauce.
- In a separate cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat, toss broccolini with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp and charred.
- Serve the garlic-parmesan chicken and alfredo sauce immediately over a bed of the charred broccolini.
