Description
Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with creamy Cajun Alfredo Mac combine juicy, spiced chicken morsels with rich, cheesy pasta and crispy fried onions for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 500 g Chicken breast or thighs (skinless or bone-in)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp Butter (divided: some for cooking, some for tossing)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Cajun Alfredo Mac
- 300 g Elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (added to sauce)
- 4 tbsp Butter (for sauce)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (for sauce)
Crispy Onion Topping
- 1 cup Thinly sliced onions
- 0.25 cup Flour
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- Oil for frying (any high smoke point oil)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Crispy Onions: In a bowl, evenly coat sliced onions with flour and cornstarch. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry coated onions for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and keep warm.
- Make Cajun Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine. Gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until smooth. Toss cooked pasta into sauce, coating thoroughly.
- Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: In another skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sear for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Toss with additional melted butter and garlic for extra flavor.
- Plate and Serve: Serve a generous portion of Cajun Alfredo mac and cheese. Top with crispy fried onions, then place garlic butter chicken bites alongside or on top. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Using bone-in chicken adds extra flavor, but skinless keeps it lighter.
- Make sure to fry onions just until golden for perfect crunch without burning.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less rich.
